2 Birthdays, 2 Friends, 1 Date, 1 Name, True Friendships

Today, I happen to have 2 friends turning 28. Same date. 2 really incredibly friends. At one point of my life, these 2 women, were both extremely important to my life. Funny thing is, they even share the same name!

When I was a kid, my first friend, she was my best friend. I can tell you so many stories about the 2 of us growing up together. Hilarious stories! Some that found us in the most awkward positions. Yes, even I have a bit of a wild streak. Heck, the 2 of us, well we faced lots of really big moments together...it's called puberty! :/ Unfortunately, we grew apart...

You see, her parents divorced. Then her mom started dating someone else. In the mix, we made the step into middle school. My parents sent me to a different district. And before long, she was living across town. If that wasn't bad enough, she later moved across the country! Do you see where this is going?

And as hard as 2 teenagers could try, we just drifted apart. I still think of her. Especially now that I call the SE my home at least 70% of the time. But I haven't seen her in at least 12 years! No lie. I've talked to her on the phone a few times. Even e-mailed her a time or 2. We tried really hard to keep in touch. But it just didn't happen.

I really do blame myself a lot for that. Because you know, I could have done better. Heck, I found her on Facebook not too long ago. I've even failed at keeping in touch there. I know. I suck as a friend! Real bad. I know. I know it in the deepest part of my soul.

Funny thing is, I got to be really good friends with her ex-boyfriend. Isn't it funny how life works? I don't really remember how it all started, but we would IM each other all the time. Literally, we'd chat daily. He'd tell me about the 2 of them. Send me pictures. It was really great getting to know him. And getting to hear about her. Then they broke up. I never asked about the details. Now we don't chat as much. But e-mails are still sent regularly. He's become a really good friend.

And today, it's her birthday. I posted a little Happy Birthday message. I wanted to call her. But for the love of God, I don't know what I did with her phone number. I'd really like to reconnect with her. You know, and have a good friendship again. I miss everything that our friendship was once about. Even if it would just be some e-mails, letters, or a phone call every once in a while.

Crazy how so much has happened in the last 12 years. Like she's married now. I'm in this serious relationship with My Guy. I've been battling the Big C. God only knows what else she's been through. We just haven't connected. Weird how that happens...

My second friend, with the same name, and same birth date...well we're really close. I almost lost her a few months ago. Remember the horrific car crash? Well, she is facing another surgery. Her baby girl, she's still in the NICU. And Lord help me, but I want to shower them both with L-O-V-E!!!

It's crazy how God sends us on a certain path. To meet people. People that really change our lives. This woman, she's done that to me. Not just because she is my bestie. Or that I'm her daughter's Nana. But because we just have each other to lean on. I love that about friendships. They really do make you grow as a person. :)

I think about that a lot. I have this best friend that is just amazing. She surprises me with her strength. And the love that she still has for people, after everything that she's gone through...well it shocks me. To my core. But then again, people can just be amazing. I've learned that though lots of trial and error. The best of friends, are the ones you never saw coming.

So on this day...January 31st...I wish these 2 beautiful women a very Happy Birthday! I have a few other friends, who are also celebrating today. Crazy how popular January 31st is! You know who you are. I don't love you any less. But these 2 women...well it just shocks me how similar they are. In so many ways. Happy Birthday Friends!!! ♥