My best friend...Leslie.
We have been through so much together in the nearly 20 years since we have known each other. Let me tell you how I met her.
We were in fourth grade, 1993. The teacher, Mrs. Bradshaw, asked the class to line up at the door for lunch. I was standing around with a scared look on my face (I'm sure). I was new to the school and the class. This girl asked me if I wanted to get in front of her. I accepted her invitation to stand next to her. We became friends and 17 years later here we are.
During those 17 years, we have had some good times and not so good times. We have seen each other through so many happy moments and sad heartaches. Like when my parents divorced or we were separated by 500 miles because my mother moved me and my sister out of state. When we graduated high school, had our first crush, first boyfriend, first broken heart. When we went off to college. And the hours and days we spent planning our futures together. The two houses side-by-side with an underground tunnel leading to each others house. Our midnight runs to Wal-Mart. And 2 years ago when Leslie's mom died from lung cancer. I always knew in the back of my mind that one day, far in the future, we would say goodbye to each others parents. What I wasn't ready for was Leslie losing her mother so soon in her life. It was hard to watch my best friend lose her mother. I can't explain the look Leslie had on her face after Mrs. Evans died. She was never the same, and that was expected. You don't lose a parent and not expect to come out unchanged. I am proud of the way she handled it. She cried, we cried, and she cried some more...and I let her do so on my shoulder when she needed it, after all, that is what besties are for...right? As the months passed, Leslie grieved for her mother, and clung to God's promise that one day she will see her mom again. She's a strong woman, Leslie, much like the way I remember her mom.
O but, Leslie and I have also had some not so good times together. Three years ago, we didn't speak for about 6 months. I don't even remember what it was about to be honest with you. But I think that time was good for us because I think we are closer now than before.
She's more than a friend to me, Leslie is my sister. God brought her into my life many years ago, so that she could be there for me now in this moment in my life. I believe God knew we needed each other. For different reasons, and I'm not sure what those are. But, here we are.
I pray that God allows us to experience getting married, being mothers, and raising our children together. I can't think of anyone else I would rather have with me as I experience each of these things. We always joke about how we feel sorry for the men that decide to marry us. Because...well, they will 'marry' both of us. And of course have to put up with our crazy-ness.
So that is my BEST FRIEND, Leslie. I love her. Sometimes I wonder how she puts up with me!! :)
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