I think hands down anyone can tell you I am not a shy person. I never have been or really don't intend on being shy anytime soon. I can make friends with just about anyone and invest in them in about 1 hour and boom, I have a friend for life.Dennis likes to say I can talk to the wall. :) I just like to know people and their stories and where they came from. But, as I am reflecting on things I am thankful for, some friends are really sticking out to me this week. These girls, and one guy (wait for it) without a doubt God put in my life for a reason and they have blessed me beyond measure.
Dennis
I moved to NWA in 2002 and didn't know a single soul. I bought a cute little new construction brick home next door to a single guy and we happened to be the only single people in the entire neighborhood. I grew up in a Southern Baptist Church and asked him where he went to church and he said Church at Pinnacle Hills and boom - we went to church together every Sunday for years. We were instant friends, best friends. Yes, I dated, he dated, we would back to our houses and sit outside and talk about our dates and what went wrong and then head home. He would mow my yard every week and when I cooked dinner he always came over to eat. It was an even exchange. He was a wonderful guy friend. Dennis was like a big brother to me - being he is 5 years older. People would ask me - would you ever date him and I seriously said out loud - EW! Ha! Funny thing is, I had cable - Dennis was WAY too cheap to get cable. All he cared about was hunting. But, when he got bored he would come and watch tv in my recliner. One day, things changed and he came to watch tv and he sat on the couch with me. I remember calling my girlfriend and saying "UM, Dennis is on the couch!" The rest is pretty much history. We got engaged, I sold my house 4 days later, moved back home to my parents house and we were married 6 months later. He is still my best friend, and I am so glad we had that 3 year foundation of friendship and went through those ups and downs together. I couldn't love him anymore.
Carrie
I met Carrie also in 2002. Probably even before I met Dennis. When I interviewed for my job I met her in a hallway and she was just returning for a field trip and the principal that hired me, Gary Lane put her on the spot and said "This is your first year teaching, do you have any words of advice for Jillian" and Carrie said "It's a lot of fun to work here". I remember it like it was yesterday. She was holding an 8 ball in her hand and she just wanted to go control her kids. She HATES that story, but she'll forgive me. Carrie was the matron of honor in my wedding for so many reasons, but she is truly like my big sister. We fight, make up, fight, make up and you just never know with us. We have basically the exact taste - without even talking about it - we have usually bought the same item at a store and then when we see the other one has it - we don't even look shocked - because that's just us. We are reality tv junkies, people mag lovers and just want to escape to the movies.We just know. We have a friendship that will last forever. We are the same and just alike. But we love each other and no one gets it but us.
Robin
Robin Alpe Wright - we were a match made in heaven. Seriously. Two peas in a pod. Robin would walk to Texas and back in barefeet if she thought I needed her to. Robin is the most caring person I know and is always by my side. She was there when my precious Bailey passed away. When Brighton had to have reconstructive ear surgery, or when its my birthday and I'm in bed napping and I don't move just because she walks in. Robin - you get why we order kids meals and why we love our dogs and why only children are best for us and don't get us started on . . . .nevermind. I love you dear friend.
Emily & Kate
Emily and Kate . . . Kate and Emily. We have all been together the past 5 years. Our common link - our first borns. Emily has Owen and Kate has Will. Emily and Kate both went on to have two precious baby girls - Avery and Elliette. I stood my ground. Emily and Kate both also teach for our school district, but the beauty of it all is we all teach at a different school so we can choose to vent about work because no one knows who or what you are talking about or not talk about work because no one knows who or what you are talking about! So, we're friends. Kate and Emily are artistic. Kate is an art teacher so that's a given, but Emily is a more DIY kind of girl. These girls LOVE Hobby Lobby where as I just shop on Etsy. At times you woudn't put the three of us togehter, at time you would put two of us or the other two of us - it's a great friendship regardless. A year from now our first borns will be half way through their Kinder year and I hope I will still get together once a month with these wonderful friends. They mean the world to me.
Rikki Jean
Rikki has been my friend since the 3rd grade at Beryl Henry Elementary. I get to see her about once a year (when I go to Dallas and she doesn't come here). I can talk to her once a month or once every 6 weeks or every day. I can send her a random text and she never questions or asks where I've been. We are both busy moms and working moms. No matter what she knows I am here and vice-versa. I love my little Rikki Jean and am very thankful I am kept her friendship for nearly 25 years. WOW!
Thank you for letting me share these amazing people in my life! I know you have lots in yours! I would love to hear about them! Who has God blessed you with in your everyday life?
