what does forever mean?

i witnessed something truly touching today.

i needed a mommy-break and went to my favorite nail salon.  i wanted to try out this gel overlay they do on nails now that is supposed to last for several weeks - they call it 'forever nails'.  on the way there i was thinking how "forever" has a very subjective meaning.

when i got there i was seated by two older ladies.  they were getting the full pamper day......sea salt, masks, wine, etc. as i sat there getting my nails done (they look fabulous) i learned that they grew up together and now lived in different states.  one was 70 and the other was 68, they are 13 months apart, one is the "smart one" and one is the "pretty one", they went to the same college, one just lost a sister (which is why they were together), they each have children and grandchildren that they adore, and they had a chemistry that only certain friends have.  i only learned this by hearing them talk.  the only thing i contributed was marc anthony's name when they were trying to figure out who j-lo's husband was :).   they were absolutely precious.

when i got up to go, they told me that they hoped they didn't talk too much.  i told them that i thought they were cute and that they made me miss my girlfriends.  one said, "well honey, call her".  she's right.  i know that regardless of the miles between us, the days between talking and our lives changing daily - i am a lucky girl to not only have one, but several girlfriends like this.  two got stuck with me at birth, my cousins jamie & jennifer.  one i met my freshman year in high school, diana.  and one i became close with much later in life, although we are from the same town, alanna.  these girls will be with me when i'm 72 and want to get my nails done or drink some wine and i love that.