Looking back through old photographs, I have again realized how fortunate I have been to have crossed paths with so many really wonderful people throughout my life. Nicki, my best friend….we have known each other for close to 25 years now. It just doesn’t seem possible that so many years have passed. It seems as though it was yesterday we were young girls in grade school, just sparking a new friendship. We were a couple of blond haired cuties, looking so much alike, that we could have passed as sisters. Riding bikes to the local corner store, going swimming on warm days, spending every Sunday morning going to church…just doing what little girls do – which is to have fun.
I spent countless weekends, even entire summers at her house, becoming the “adopted daughter” to her parents and younger “sister” to her siblings. Nicki’s mom, Kathy, became a woman I admired and wished to become; a successful, independent business woman who balanced a full time career, college, and a family. She took me under her wing, provided the support, faith and encouragement as a young girl that I needed to help create who I am today.
Now, here we are, Nicki and I, women in our mid 30’s, keeping busy raising children of our own, balancing life with our adult responsibilities. We can go days, weeks, even months without seeing each other, but yet when we get together, we pick up right where we left off. We look back at our childhood, laughing and giggling at the things we used to do as children, and what lessons we learned throughout our years growing up.
To my best friend, my sister, my non-biological twin….Happy Birthday to you! You are my dearest, closest friend….a woman to look to for support, guidance, and stability. You are a wonderful mother, wife, and role model and thanks to the friendship we created when we were younger, I was able to meet a wonderful family. A family who has had a huge, positive influence on my life. I Love You, Girl!!!
When we first talked to each other, I knew we would always be friends.
Our friendship has kept on growing, And I’ll be here for you to the end.
You listen when I have a problem, And help dry the tears from my face.
You take away my sorrow, And put happiness in its place.
We can’t forget the fun we’ve had, Laughing ’til our faces turn blue.
Talking of things only we find funny, People think we’re insane-If they only knew!
I guess this is my way of saying thanks, For catching me when I fall.
Thanks once again for being such a good friend, And being here with me through it all.
Heart, Hopes, and Dreams 