Have you ever had a friend of the opposite who you really loved?

You were not lovers, but you loved them. I had breakfast with an old friend who came to town for the holidays. When she walked in the door of the restaurant it occured to me how much I cared about her. She stuck by me during some really rough times, and I was there for her through some of her dificulties. And we used to get together for dinner or drinks, share laughs and generally enjoy each others company. I have no doubt that if I had an emergency she would drop whatever she's doing and come to my aid. I was really saddened when her company tranferred her out of state. We talk on the phone and Facebook, and when she's in town we meet to eat somewhere. My ex said it wasn't natural for a married man to have a female friend. And of course she accused us of sleeping together. But it never happened. Never even came close or even hinted at. I've had countless buddies over the years but she is the only close female friend I've ever had. I've had other female friends and co-workers, but none as close as she and I. Is this friendship that unusual. Oh, and of course the ex was the one who was cheating as it turned out.