My husband, children and I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank all my girlfriends (past present and future) for my mental health.

In the past 20 years I have moved often; from towns, cities, countries, and hemispheres. After unpacking enough boxes to find clean underwear and a favourite toy or two, on the top of my to do list is “Make friends”. This is closely followed by some other essential items such as: find a house to live in, schools for the kids, buy a car, and ask around for a good hairdresser.

I arrive in a place, open up my trusty bag of gathered social skills and set about getting to know people. Sometimes this has worked, sometimes people run screaming. Others will stand at a safe distance in their fire resistant clothing, or stand too close while telling me their about their ingrown toenail. We all have our ways; we all want the same thing.

To be known. And once known, to be recognized with a smile.

A bad day just isn’t as bad when shared with a girlfriend who knows when to nod in the rights places even if they haven’t got a clue what you’re babbling about. A good day is even better when shared with a girlfriend who feels happy for no other reason than that you’re happy.

Friendship is trial and error. Some stick, others take effort, and some just never really have the trust to give it a go. But to those I have found who speak the same language, who can laugh as hard with me over absolutely nothing, who I can call on, who can call on me, who know me and don’t hide behind the closest bush but walks forward with a smile (you know who you are)- Thank you.

Our family wouldn’t be the same without you. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a world of girlfriends to raise the mother.