Loving your neighbor
I met my friend T when I was in 5th grade, and my family moved in across the street from her. Little did I know that meeting her would result in a 30 year friendship.
There aren't many memories during that stage in my life that I have without T in them. There are so many blessings spent together. Hours on board games, creating dance routines, walks to the store, trips to the mall, and failed kitchen experiences created some of the best memories of my life. At the center of it all were our families. Her parents often scooped me up as if I was one of their kids and took me along with them on trips and events. With two brothers, it was nice to have a break from all the testosterone in my house. I was always so thankful to them for including me.
As we grew older, we grew apart. T is two years older than me, so life happened. After college we reconnected and had some crazy times as roommates. We get together when we can. We stay in touch. The most important part of her friendship has been that she introduced me to the two greatest loves of my life.
One being the man who would become my husband.
The second being Jesus Christ.
My faith has been my comfort. It has been my driving force. It has been the shelter from the storm, my strength, and my hope. I can't imagine this life without it. And it would have never happened if my neighbors had never extended their friendship.
T's mom stepped into eternity last night after her battle against pancreatic cancer. I am grieving. I wish my friend wasn't 4 hours away. I am hating the disease cancer. I wish I was across the street from my friend.
To Bonnie, thank you for sweet peas in April, for loving me like a daughter, and for giving me my friend. Thank you for introducing my family to Jesus. I know you wanted to stay with us all a little longer, but I am sure when you walked through heaven's gates, you heard " Well done good and faithful servant"
