It's interesting how life has a way of rocking your world from all different angles all at once. In a matter of a few weeks I was dealt a hand that drastically changed my life affecting everything from friends, to work, to significant others.
When one of my best friends told me that she was starting to look for jobs out of state, I wasn't surprised. Her work situation was less than ideal and not exactly what she was wanting to do for the long haul. When she called and told me she had accepted a job offer halfway across the county, I sat at work and cried... Then she cried... Then we cried together.
As a young adult starting out in a new stage of life, it's hard to find those people you really connect with, who understand you, and who prove what a real friend is. She is one of those friends. Someone who becomes a part of the furniture and decor of your life...but not a generic beach sunset poster famous in dorm rooms from coast to coast. She's more like a comfortable, reliable, forgiving arm chair that you'll never get rid of because you know it'll be there for you...unlike some wobbly IKEA bar stool from your first apartment that may or may not have gotten broken the day you got it because you didn't put it together correctly. I mean, this girl is so epically awesome she has her own hash tag which is often used in place of her name.
We have the same sarcastic sense of humor, the same love for singing in the car, and the same love for Jesus. The one thing we had differing opinions on was food! She is adventurous and likes a wide variety of cuisines. I, on the other hand, am very comfortable with what few things I like: starches, chicken and cheese. She made me try avocado and once told a waiter not to 86 the Havarti cheese on my sandwich after I asked for it to be left off. The Havarti was a good call. The avocado, on the other hand, did not go over so well.
In the few weeks leading up to her inevitable departure, shenanigans you'll read about in the posts to follow took a downward spiral. Knowing I wasn't going to have a key member of my support system here during the struggles that I was about to face was a hard reality to come to terms with. I went with her to pick up the moving truck, helped pack up her townhouse, and helped clean and vacuum. At first I was crying on the inside like a winner, but as the night wore on, the tears started to flow freely. Standing in her empty living room where I cuddled with Lil Nugget, watched movies during Girls Movie Night, had deep talks that will stick with me forever and most importantly where I accepted my Oscar, I officially started crying on the outside like a loser.
It's one of those things you don't think is really going to happen until it does. And then with tears streaming down my face I hugged one of my best friends bye. To say this girl has been a blessing to my life is a gross understatement. We've laughed together, cried together, vented about things together... But the one thing I treasure most of all is her unfailing and constant prayer and strength when I've needed it most. She is one of my sounding boards, a voice of reason and someone I always turn to when I need to hear her reassurance that everything is going to be ok. She made it easy for me to be myself without feeling like I had to apologize for my quirks like food, or the fact that I can't help how much of an emotional soul I really am (If you've ever come in contact with my mother, it's obvious that I get it honest).
I knew this wasn't going to be a friendship that would end up becoming a faint memory of a girl I hung out with for 2 years when I was in my 20s. Thankfully, we live in a world where we have instant access to someone regardless of geographical location which makes staying in contact easy. It sucks not being able to have lady dates, or watch MacGyver, or have her here to talk through things, but having someone who puts in the same effort to stay in touch makes it easier to maintain that friendship.
I look forward to watching her journey and can't wait to see where God takes her in the future!
You, Phil Collins, are in my heart...right next to Reggae Jesus. Love you, #MissKaty!
-b
