In addition to the word “friendship,” the expression I saw a lot in Nina Totenberg’s Dinner With Ruth was “soldier on.” Nina, RBG, Cokie, and many people in this book soldiered through their hardships. Whether it was a health problem, stereotypes, or blatant discrimination, they were technically fighting on their own. No one else could join, fight for, or substitute for them.
Nonetheless, friends made a difference. “It [friendship] is about extending the invitation, making space at the table, picking up the phone, and also remembering. Friendship is what cushions life’s worst blows and what rejoices in life’s hoped-for blessings… We were present in each other’s lives, especially when it mattered most. We showed up.”
Maybe that’s the true definition of friend: the one who’s present at the moment. Their presence makes us feel less lonely facing the headwind and more confident in ourselves.
So that we can keep soldering on.
What Kaitlyn Thinks 