When I moved to Texas almost 9 years ago, I spent the first few years wondering if I would ever meet true friends here.  I've been blessed enough to say that I did find them.  There are only a few that have withstood the tests of family, time, jobs etc...

To my firecracker. If you were a firecracker you would be bright and colorful and beautiful, but you would also have an exact plan of how you wanted to be shot into the sky, you know, like what time it would be, how the design would be planned, what colors you want to go off when :) You are adventerous and cautious and brave. You take the responsibility of being both Mom and Dad and you do it well. You manage responsibility and fun with a fine tooth comb, riding your motorcycle (Yikes!). I love how you take time out of your busy schedule to spend one on one time with Blake, you dont' know how sweet that is to me. I love calling you after a terrible shift at work and knowing you can completely get what I'm saying. I know I can vent any frustration to you and you will give me an honest but delicate answer and advice. You are one of those people that no one can forget, I remember meeting you, the first day of nursing school and knowing somewhere deep down we would always be friends. You know how to ask the tough questions and how to always make me laugh (air guitar to "Cheap Seats" is forever in my memories!)  A perfect day would be lots of takeout, me, you and a Gilmore Girls marathon :) I'm so lucky to have you .

To my strong and steady.  I was talking to Nick the other day trying to figure out how long we've been friends.  I remember meeting you at church years and years ago at a time when I really needed a friend, and you were that friend for me.  Ours is a friendship of stamina and grace.  We brought our little girls into the world so closely together and their friendship makes me so incredibly happy.  I love talking about reality TV and our favorite books and going to see movies together.  You are the friend I've reached out to when I didn't think I could physically say the words I was feeling. You are the best listener I know.  I love how I can just see you thinking about what you want to say and how best to say it.  We've spent holidays and birthdays and such sweet time together. I'm so lucky to have you.

 

To my wildflower.  A wildflower because you are beautiful and delicate, but can withstand storms that you never knew you could.  Looking back I think it would be easy to assume you would crumble with some of the struggles life has brought you and your family, but look, here you are, still strong and still standing.  You are my instant go to for Mommy advice.  You have listenened to me whine and whine and I always feel better after our long phone conversations.  We both know what it's like to miss our family and wish we could have our parents phsysically closer, but I thank God I have you close by to rely on and look to.  You are the one I would call if I was having a freak out at two in the morning.  I know you wouldn't mind!  You help me feel good about myself and about other people in general, what a gift that is!  You are creative and generous.  I'm so lucky to have you.