Sunday, March 29, 2009

Friends

I cannot believe how blessed I am to have such amazing friends. I have several that are truly an inspiration to me. They make me laugh, cry, give me perspective and clarity. I know God is amazing and has truly blessed me with these wonderful people in my life.

I am gonna name a few...and I am gonna say they are in absolutely NO particular order:).

There is Greg. I met him when I was in the hospital and he took excellent care of me. Very compassionate and caring, funny and charming. I just thought to myself...What a doll! Then when Aunt Jojo got sick and was admitted to the same floor, Greg helped us to care for her. He treated Joyce like she was family. I'm not sure he'll ever know what a comfort that was. I recently found out why he is so compassionate...its because he has been there. He took care of his father when he was ill and until he passed away. It made Greg decide to completely change his profession from the finance arena to nursing...we are so much better for that choice.

Lets chat about Deanna...I have known her for about 6 years. We met at a ladies bible study when I first moved to the St. Louis area. She was so sweet and friendly...even though she was very pregnant with Syd and it was summer and she was obviously very physically uncomfortable. I love how Deanna touches so many people through both her career as a nurse and her ministry in the praise band. She truly sings like an angel. She is such a present and loving parent. Even if she has to be away physically for her job, She is there mentally and emotionally for her girls...available via cell phone, email or Facebook. To quote her "How sweet is that?" Something not often seen in this day and age...a parent who is there for their child when it counts.

I've known Sheree since I was in 7th grade. (I know I'm telling on myself, but that's 27 years) I consider her one of my oldest(OK...most longevity...not chronological) and dearest friends. I lost track of her for many years and recently caught up with her via the magic of Facebook. It was like we were never apart. She is one of the kindest, most loving and encouraging people I know. She loves her Mom, is very loyal to her friends and dog (Zach the square dog), and just a joy to be around. AND she knows how to use power tools...always a plus when you don't have a man around the house:).

Then we have Kelley and Jennifer. Two of the most interesting and adventurous gals I know. They love the Lord and Live. Loud. Period. They strive to be the change they want to see in the world. I love that about them. They love people where they are at...I don't think I have ever heard a judgemental word come out of either one of them. I met Jennifer at the same ladies bible study that I met Deanna at. Kelley and I started attending MSC about the same time. I really can't recall how we met, but she is always sweet and funny and kind. I have links to their blogs...awesome reads...both of them. Smart, funny and Christ-centered . (oh...and both of these gals sing, too)( I so admire that...I sang in choir...not the praise band...and not likely to happen either)

Last, but certainly not least, is Kelly, my sister in law. She and I think so much alike so much of the time its almost scary. Kelly and I have been together and laughed...just laughed...so hard that my sides hurt for days. OMW...the day of Trevor's birthday party...she and I in the bouncy house....laughed so hard we could not get up...could not get out...I was ruined for a week. I am so surprised that video did not turn up on Youtube or Funniest Home Videos.( thanks Matt) We just have so much fun. I love that I can tell her anything and she isn't going to judge me. I love that she and Chuck allow me to pick Trevor up from school one day a week. I missed so much of his early life because I lived so far away. It is such a blessing to me to have them in my life in such a huge way. And on top of all that, to be able to worship with them on a weekly basis in the same congregation...its just amazing. I just wish that my two sisters could be there every week as well.

I'm really not sure how I got so lucky to have such wonderful and amazing friends. I just hope that I am as good a friend to them as they are to me. They set the bar pretty high.

Love you All:).