Friday, May 8, 2009

A Tribute

If I am going to be honest, I don't like change. I am the girl who will keep a pair of jeans with a hole in the crotch for years (and wear them....eeeek) because I know how long it took me to get them to that soft, comfortable stage where they feel like sweatpants. When going to restaurants, I always order the same thing at each one. I don't like the surprise of a new dish. And when it comes to friends, I have my handful of "lifers" that haven't changed for years. Within that group, one stands alone. We have been friends for over twenty years and today is her birthday. When I think of her, I am instantly happy because in my mind I instantly see a video montage of our lives together. There are good times, boy howdy, and there are even better times. We have cried together, laughed together, yelled at each other, shared our faith, our fears, our most intimate thoughts and through it all, we still love each other. We still find time in our lives to talk almost every other day - good thing she got a cell phone!!! She was there for me when a certain boy broke my heart and I for her. She was there for me the night my dad had a heart attack - it was the same night she got engaged and it didn't matter. She was there for me - and she probably doesn't even know how much that meant to me. She flew across the country to come to my wedding, she flew across the country again to see me pregnant and throw me a bridal shower. She loves my husband and my son. She knows my voice when it sounds worried and she lovingly talks me down from whatever cliff I am on at that moment. In truth, she is the kind of person you want in your corner because she loves with all her heart. I know she prays for me and thinks about me because thousands of miles away, I am praying for her and thinking about her. For al these reasons, and about a billion more, she will always be my best friend. She is more like family to me because I can't imagine my life without her in it! And more than anything, today, I wish I would be with her and wish her a happy birthday ( but this sappy blog will have to do!) Apey, I love you and miss you and, as always, wish all the best things for you! Happy Birthday!

6 comments:

Englishfam said...

Okay, you are gonna make me cry! I agree with everything said, and feel so lucky to have her as my cousin. She is the greatest! She was still nice to us when we would get together and were mean to her! haha April, I love you and hope you have the best day ever!!

Starley Family said...

Ah Amanda! You are the kindest woman ever. What a beautiful tribute. Thank heaven for the celestial friendships over the years. I know I treasure yours and will forever.

HailerStar said...

I loved what you wrote about April. *it made me tear up* That's how I feel about my best friend, Aimee. When you have someone like that it truly is like having a sister of the soul. *I'm glad you have someone like that to see you through the good and bad times!*

Anonymous said...

That was really sweet Amanda! I am glad April has you for a friend. She is a special girl and so are you. I wish you both lived closer to each other and to me! :)
Sharon Stephenson

Matt & April Herman said...

Amanda! You are too nice. I love you too! Thank you for being the greatest friend anyone could ever ask for. I do think about youa nd pray for you and your family all the time. Thats what sisters do:) I wish we lived closer so we could share our lives face to face, but for now, this will have to do. I hope youa re feeling better, and I will talk to you soon:) Love you and miss you so much!

Krista said...

She is pretty great. I'll never forget playing pool games with you guys right after I met your bro. So much fun.