Friendship

I grew up as an Air Force brat. As you might imagine, I moved a fair amount in my life. I think the hardest part for me was leaving behind the friends I made. I still remember my best friend in Hawaii. Nancy and I went to the same private school for second and third grade. We had so much fun hanging out with each other. Our families all got along with each other too. There were many nights my whole family ended up at her house where we were enveloped by her huge Italian family. I can still see the huge tables filled with plates of lasagna and rigatoni and oh so many other scrumptious dishes. I still wish I was in touch with her but, I sucked at writing letters back then and cheap long distance calling didn't exist.

Since then, I've been blessed with my friendships. I've reconnected with many of the people I left behind when my dad was transferred from Florida to North Carolina. And, my bestie from high school is still my best friend today. In fact, Jennifer is more than a friend.  She is my sister by choice. Jennifer and I have known each other since the days when I was still skinny and she was reserved. We've seen each other through heartbreaks, moves, job changes, and unparalleled happiness. She's been there for my wedding and the birth of my children. Jennifer is truly amazing and I can't think of a better person to have my back or to get into trouble with. I know without fail that Jennifer will be there if I need her and will always help if she can. In less than 6 months, we will have been friends for 27 years. I know without a doubt that we will be friends 27 years from now.

Now, a person could consider herself truly blessed to even one friend like Jennifer. But, thanks to the wonder of the internet, I have a few other friends like that. Back in 2000, when I was pregnant with Joey, I met my friends Pam and Rys. They were both members of the December 2000 pregnancy board on Parentsplace. I honestly can't believe we've been friends for almost 11 years but we have all truly been to hell and back together. I adore these ladies and feel so very lucky to have them in my life. When I was in the depths of infertility hell, Pam and Rys put their lives on hold, packed up their kids, and came to take care of me. For over a week, we had the three of us, our 6 kids, and my husband in one house. Their was no awkwardness, no questions about how to treat each others kids, it felt like we'd been hanging out with our families together forever. It felt like they were members of my family who I'd known forever. I don't know how I was lucky enough to make friends with both of them but it's now transcended friendship and they are sister too.

My friends have enriched my life beyond measure and I love them with all my heart.