I was leaving the city I loved (by Greyhound, no less) to spend 2 to 3 years in Saskatchewan while I pursued my Masters. The night before I was due to leave, my room-mates (all guys) organized a surprise all-night pj party on my behalf. About 20 friends, male and female, showed up, all in their sleeping gear and I stayed up all night talking with the people who were, effectively, my extended family. It was a wonderful night and, as the bus pulled out at 7.15 from the Vancouver bus depot, there was a row of people in pajamas holding up roughly lettered "Goodbye Karen" signs.

One of the indications of how we are moving through life is the quality of friends we have. I feel blessed in mine.