friends

“As I look back on all that’s happened…growing up, growing together, changing you, changing me — there were times when we dreamed together, when we laughed and cried together. As I look back on those days, I realize how much I truly miss you and how much I truly love you. The past may be gone forever…and whatever the future holds, our todays make the memories of tomorrow. So, my lifetime friends, it is with all my heart that I send you my love, hoping that you’ll always carry my smile with you, for all we have meant to each other and for whatever the future may hold.” --unknown

We met in college.  She was a friend of an acquaintance.  Eventually, we ended up teaching 8th graders together at church.  She was one of those people who managed to be incredibly cool and incredibly genuine all at once.  After our weddings, she invited me to be a part of a small group with her...
Jamie

Our first night in a new small group, she and her husband walked in, collapsed on the couch and started talking immediately about her yelling at him to "Get the spices" when he tried to wake her up from a nap.  She was quirky, funky and real- nothing fake about that girl.  After a couple of months in this group, I worked up the nerve to ask her to lunch.  She almost jumped on top of me yelling "YES!"
Natalie

Six years of friendship and that's how it started.  The three of us, going to lunch every Wednesday- (the Indian family that owned the Quizno's knew us by name).  It was during those lunches that I met my best friends, the kindred spirits of my heart, my very best friends.

They've been there for me through all the ups and downs of my adult life.  The night I showed up on Jamie's front porch, bawling my eyes out... Jumping up and down in the street rejoicing over pregnancies... Nights spent studying the Word and confessing our needs to one another.  Road trips, musicals, running... laughing, crying, times when we just didn't know... births, deaths... Sunday night dinners and Tuesday nights... slap sticky and two susies... These are memories I will cherish forever.

These girls have taught me the meaning of true friendship.  I am so blessed and I thank God everyday that Jamie was brave enough to ask me to that small group.  I know that I wouldn't be the believer, wife, mommy I am today without the presence of these beautiful women in my life.

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
bringing something we must learn and we are led
to those who help us most to grow if we let them
and we help them in return.
Well I don't know if I believe that's true but I know I'm who I am today
because I knew you...
I do believe I have been changed for the better
Because I knew you-
I have been changed for good" 
--For Good, Wicked

I love you girls, so much.
And I had a fabulous weekend with you two.
Counting down the days to April!