For you, B

I remember moving to Laramie, I remember the horrification of a new high school so close to graduation and I remember feeling convinced that there was no chance I would make a lasting friendship, fit in or even enjoy this place.  The building was old.  The people were cliquish and my heart was broken over the new challenge in my life.

Laramie surprised me though.  I made acquaintances, I survived, I actually even THRIVED.  More surprising yet, I made friends.  Some that didn’t last and a few select handful that not only lasted, but became integral in my survival, key in my identity and necessary for my journey into adulthood.  Of those friends, I was a bridesmaid for one and two were bridesmaids for me.  Who knew, right?

Time and distance separated us – as is par for the course in life.  I stayed in this sleepy town while one of my best girls set out on a life for adventure, time in Florida, time back home and finally settling in a city far larger than this one a few hours south. She has been a rock in my life, we have nursed heartaches and cursed bad break-ups and danced late into the night and participated in crazy nights and endless fun shenanigans.  In fact, she was the last person I saw literally minutes before The Hubs got on one knee and the first call I made after my parents to shriek with delight about my new ring.

I have been blessed by her fierce loyalty and love her so, so much.  I smile and marvel at the pictures of us in formals for senior prom hanging side by side with the picture of us in formals – nearly a decade later – at my wedding.  I have a lot of great people in my corner, but through the many changes in my life, my stupid decisions, my good decisions, my tough decisions – she never faltered, she never left, she never judged.

I want great things for her. I want her happiness.  I miss her like crazy and I pray for her regularly.  This weekend, the love of her life proposed to her and they will began the crazy journey of planning a wedding, engagement parties, bridal showers, tuxedo shopping and dress fittings. I am thrilled for her. If anyone has worked harder and is more deserving of this, I don’t know them.

Happy Engagement, B.  I love you and I am so, so incredibly happy for you.