Last night I got an unexpected phone call from one of my dearest friends. Juli Beth and I have been friends for pretty much as long as I can remember. I think we met around the 3rd grade or so at church, but it wasn’t until we were in youth group together that we really became close. We don’t talk that often and only see each other a few times a year. But we always just pick up right where we left off. I still consider her one of my best friends. I know I could call her for anything, anytime and she would be there. Talking to her last night was exactly what I needed. It got me thinking about all of the friends God has blessed me with.
RyAnn- We met in 5th grade but really didn’t like each other. However, we ended up with lockers next to each other and several classes together in 7th grade. And, since our last names were close we sat next to each other in those classes. What I remember most about that year were the endless slumber parties, pancakes every Saturday, and crushes on Blake. We stopped going to school together in 8th grade. We didn’t see each other too often, but we knew our friendship was something special and didn’t let it go. We still talk on the phone all the time, just like we did when we were 13.
Kristin-My friend who I’ve literally known my whole life since she’s my sister, too. I really hope that I have 2 girls someday so they can experience having a sister. Kristin and I didn’t really like each other until about 5 years ago. She came out to California to visit. We had such a good time going to San Diego in the rented Mustang that turned out to be a piece of junk. We felt so cool driving around with the top down wearing out cool new shades and tank tops…until the plume of black smoke enveloped us. Ahh…the memories. I’m so lucky to have a sister who is also my best friend.
Shauna-a.k.a. Roomate. We met at Sooner Youth Camp and lived together our Freshman year at ACU. I’ll never forget our handstand contest that has permenently scarred my elbow. I’ll never forget our last year at Sooner when we had a cabin to ourselves because none of our other friends came back that last year. I’ll also never forget the silly things we did as roomates-like naming ourselves Starlite and Shakazulu and painting that in our room, pushing our beds together to make one big bed the last few weeks of school, doing routines to get into bed at night, and the burial of our beloved fish Tyrone.
Annalee-probably the most caring person I have ever met. We lived on the same hall our Freshman year. We didn’t really hang out until the end of that year. We both worked at summer camps that summer so we became camp pen pals. We did pretty much everything together the first semester of our Sophomore year. We weren’t roommates, but she slept over on our futon all the time. It even had a sign over it-Annalee’s Domain. One of our favorite things to do was talk in initials. One of my favorite shirts is one she made for me. It says HBBFFAEAEAE on the front and ILY on the back. Obviously that means Happy Birthday Best Friends Forever and Ever and Ever and I love you.
Staci-Another great friend from high school youth group. Juli Beth, Staci, and I were a threesome. I can’t think about one of them without thinking about the other. I only see her once a year, but we keep in touch emailing. She’s another one that I know I could count on for anything.
Beth-My best California friend. I’m so lucky to have her out here. I don’t what I would do without her. I would be lonely and bored, that’s for sure. It’s great to have another mom to talk to every day. She encourages me constantly and she’s such a great mom to her two kids-I respect her so much. I’m sad to think about leaving California in big part because of her.
Derek-Last, but certainly not least. In fact, he’s the most. My best friend, my teammate, my everything. I can’t imagine my life without him. He puts up with my drama and loves me like no other. He’s so patient with me, listens to me when I need to get out ten million words, treats me like a princess, comes home when I need him, and lets me take up more than my half of the bed. I am so lucky to share my life him.
Thank you to all the friends in my life. I don’t know what I would do without you guys.