Reflections

Today I decided to reflect on something other than my pursuit of finding the right career.  Today I'm going to write about friendship.  When I think about friends I always think about the song I sang at 4-H - "Make New Friends".  The lyrics are:  Make new friends but keep the old one is silver and the others gold.

As I've grown up I have met a lot of people whether through 4-H, high school, speech, college, and law school but I only have a few really close friends.  As I've grown older I have grown apart from some people and maybe that's the way life is or maybe I'm just not good at keeping in touch, I'm not sure.  But there are a few people that even if I haven't spoken to them in months I can pick right up with them like nothing has changed.  These friends I appreciate more than I tell them.

I think as life changes your best friends do too.  Now that I'm married my best friend is my husband.  He can tell even when I'm a little upset that something is wrong.  I tell him everything even if it may hurt his feelings he knows my darkest secrets.  It is wonderful to feel that way with someone and I feel truly blessed but there are times when I miss my other friends.

I have tried not to use names while blogging but I think it's appropriate today.  Because I want to thank my close friends.  If you are not mentioned it's not because you are not important to me it's just I have left you out.

My mom - I never thought I would be as close to my mom as I am today.  We talk every day or almost every day.  She makes me laugh when I need it and I try to do the same.  She also gives me criticism and advice to help guide me.  I appreciate everything she does for me.  I miss her like crazy.  I never knew how much I missed her until she was here after my surgery.  I'm thankful to be so close to my mom.  It makes me sad that some people do not have the relationship like I have.  Along the same lines as my mom I have to thank my Aunt Debbie.  She is one of the most thoughtful people I know.  When I'm going through something she always sends me a card to brighten my day and lately I've tried to do the same for her.  

Aimee and I have known each other since we were tiny playing t-ball.  We have had so many great memories through 4-H and school.  Although we don't talk all the time when we do it's like nothing has changed.  I know that if I ever needed anything she would be there for me no matter what.  I think she is probably my gold from the song.  I am so thankful for her and hope that I can some day be as sweet and caring as she is.

I still remember the first time I met Amanda it was at cheerleading camp (yes I was a cheerleader for one year).  Amanda and I got off to a rocky start.  She didn't like me because I won the spirit stick at the camp had I known she wanted it I would have gave it to her.  But we became close friends through speech. It turns out she and I had a lot more in common.  We had the same since of humor and a love for fashion.  Over the years we didn't talk all the time but we still kept in touch.  Amanda is the friend who gives me the advice even if it's not what I want to hear.  She can be brutally honest but in a good way.  I promise to try to be better with keeping in touch and visit soon!

Shoafie is the friend that whenever I need to laugh that's who I call.  She can always tell me stories to make me feel better.  She's another person I can go a while without talking to and know that it doesn't matter.  I'm so happy that I spent a year living with her and getting to know her family.  I feel like they are as open and friendly as my own and would help me in any way they could.  She is one of the happiest persons I know and hope some day I can be as optimistic as she is.

Luyen and I met our sophomore year of college.  We lived together our senior year and have even been asked if we are sisters which is hilarious since she is Asian and we look nothing alike.  She knew all of my secrets for years and I knew hers.  Over the past year or so we have started to grow apart.  I am not sure if it's because we are in different cities or if it's because we are both in serious relationships.  Maybe we have both replaced each other?  I'm not sure.  I do know that I miss her.  I miss staying up late talking, I miss our two to three times a week emails.  I just miss it.  I woke up this morning really sad because I think it finally hit me that we had really grown apart.  I guess that's how you feel when you've lost your best friend.  I'm not sure if she and I can ever go back to how it was in Miami times have really changed, but I want my best friend back.

To my other 4-H friends -Heidi, Emily, Teb, Curtis, and Cara - I'm sorry that I have been so terrible with keeping in touch.  I am going to try to do better.  I miss each of you in your own special ways.  Heidi I miss all of our times at the fair and our "ring men", lol.  Emily and Teb I miss our late nights at 4-H camp and the games we would play.  Curtis and Cara where do I start!  I miss making fun of Grand Champion and the hilarious beach trip.

To my college friends - Jess and Bridget I miss you both.  Jess I'll see you soon and hopefully do a better job keeping in touch.  Bridget I will be in St. Louis in March.  I'd love to see you!

Lastly the law school crew - Laura, Kel Kel, Catherine, Jav, Whitney, Jordan, Shawn B, and Sean L - I miss you all!  I'll try to be better with keeping in touch.  Understand that I'm bad about calling but I'll try to be better with emailing or something!!

Finally, I must say how thankful I am for Jeff.  He really is what gets me through the day.  He is so good to me and I know I'm a better person because of him.  I never thought I'd be married but now I don't know what I'd do without him.  

As I have reflected I remember another 4-H song - friends I will remember you, think of you, and pray for you and when another day is through I'll still be friends with you.