I'm a strong believer that every woman will go through a period in her life where she needs her friends. Not just in a “I could use a girls night out” sort of way, but more like, “I have no idea how to breathe right now and I need you to remind me.”

If you don't know what I'm talking about, you're lucky. I'm guessing, however, that most of you have been there. Whether its death, divorce, infidelity, health issues or post-partum depression, we've all been on one side – or both sides – of these situations.

I am lucky to have two very good friends that have helped me through these tough times. Together we have gone through deaths of loved ones, infertility, failing health of parents, a transplant surgery and a few other things that are a bit too personal to put here. One of us once had a situation that was so deep and painful that she told the others, “I got out a sweatshirt and didn't remember how to put it on. Please, please tell me: How do I continue on right now?”

We've also had many, many good times.

Heidi (my blog partner) can make me laugh harder than anyone else. She makes every situation fun and is the life of the party. She will also give it to me straight. She cheers me up when I am down and calls me out when I need a reality check. When I went through fertility issues, Heidi waited to conceive her third child until I got pregnant. That's more than friendship. That's love.

And I swear Nikki can look into my eyes and see my soul. She is kind, compassionate and very thoughtful. Nikki is the friend that every girl wants. She has often said to me, “I've been thinking about what you said the other day and I think you're underestimating yourself. You should go for it.” She is my biggest fan.

Between the three of us, we have six children under the age of 10. We have all been pregnant together and they helped me through my labor and delivery. Many people are surprised that my husband was ok with them being there during such an intimate moment. I don't even think my husband thought of the possibility of them not being there. Nikki helped me relax and was very nurturing. Heidi was my advocate – demanding answers from the doctors and nurses. Nikki took pictures right after the delivery. And Heidi stayed by my side the entire time, narrating what was happening for me.

They say friendships with three never work, that one will inevitably feel left out. But somehow it just works.

Some days, they are the only thing that gets me out of bed. I can't begin to describe how amazing it is to work with – and have lunch with – your best friends every day. I also know that it probably won't be like this forever. Nikki has been growing her photography business on the side, and Heidi and I both know that she is talented enough to make that her full-time job.

For now, I am pushing the pause button on life. I am enjoying every minute of our lunches, nights out and inside jokes. I know that friendships like ours are a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

I hope that none of us need each other during a rough patch anytime soon, but I'm also realistic enough to know that we probably will. When we do, I hope we're still there to help each other breathe.

Want to talk more about the power of friendship? Join us tonight for our book club review of “The Girls from Ames.” Even if you haven't finished the book, this is a fun topic of which everyone can contribute. We're meeting at Panera Bread from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 132nd and Maple.

Melissa Cruickshank is married with one daughter. She works full-time.