When my first boyfriend broke my heart, Susan was the one who stayed up all night comforting me.
When her parents separated, my family took her into our home for several weeks.
Our mothers used to joke that we were practically sisters.
And I truly believed we were.
Even when our lives changed, our friendship remained intact.
I married Robert, a thoughtful and caring man who became my closest companion.
Susan also got married, but her marriage ended in divorce.
When everything fell apart for her, I was by her side.
I helped her pack her belongings, listened to her during countless tearful conversations, and reminded her that she didn't have to rebuild her life alone.
Because that's what a family does.
And Susan was part of my family.
Robert always welcomed her into our home without hesitation.
He was with us at Thanksgiving dinners, birthdays, Christmas celebrations, and quiet Sunday afternoons.
Sometimes he would stop by my house just to have a coffee and chat.
