My graphic artist, Courtney, and I have developed a wonderful friendship over the last 15 years of working together. One afternoon while chatting on the phone she says, “Well, I’m at the health food store.” To which I responded, “So am I! I’m in the parking lot.” I turned off the car and ran inside to meet her. We looked at each other and then just started laughing because we had nothing left to say. Talking face-to-face was a little foreign for us. I could probably count on one hand the number of times we have been together in person as we are typically communicating via phone, IM, email or social media. Yet, I count her among my closest friends as we have shared life’s ups and downs with kids, job changes, and nursing sick parents.

“Most of us replace half of our close friends every seven years,” says Shasta Nelson, author of Friendships Don’t Just Happen: The Guide to Creating a Meaningful Circle of Girlfriends. “Although this might seem alarming, she considers it a natural ebb and flow.” Nelson explains that some friends emerge from life changes. My bestie gal pals, Theresa and Karen, came into my life at different stages. Theresa and I bonded when our boys were both in 3^rd grade with similar hurdles to overcome. Karen and I connected went we each had a son playing high school football together. For me, these friends are essential for lunchtime get-a-ways, mom moments, and sharing all of life’s little idiosyncrasies.

 “For a reason, a season or a lifetime, friends help us cope with challenges, motivate our best work and celebrate life,” says Judith Fertig in our feature article, The Power of Friendship. I am fortunate to have Kasey as a part of our Natural Awakenings team to help motivate my best work and keep me on my toes. I am blessed to have my sisters, Laurie and Jennifer, as friends for a lifetime. It is comforting to have sisters who will always be there.

This month brings Valentine’s Day, a chance to show those we love that they are important in our lives. I would like to take the opportunity to appreciate you, our readers, advertisers and distributors. Thank you for being a part of Natural Awakenings and helping to create a naturally healthy community.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher