My Long Time Friend

I have a good friend that I met about seventeen years ago.  The first time I saw her was at church.  She had a new baby and she looked beautiful.  Her hair was done just right and her makeup was perfect and I thought "Wow, we would not have anything in common."  I was thinking (in a sadly judgmental way) that I, who didn't wear makeup and combed my hair once a day and called it good, would just not know what to talk about with someone who did.  Silly me.  We ended up working in primary together and became fast friends. 

We are both Moms with good families and good extended families.  We both like to chat and we didn't have (and still don't have) any trouble coming up with things to talk about.  Back then we talked almost every day.  I would hop her fence (or she would) and we'd make fancy meals of macoroni and cheese or quesadillas and our kids would play while we talked.  Because of her those years when it was just me and little girls at home during the day were a whole lot more fun than they would have been.  We went places and, even though it was always a bit crazy, we went again and again.

We may not have everything in common, but we have the important things in common.  Yesterday I got to spend another day with her.  We got to chat and help her sister with a painting project.  My first thought 17 years ago came when I made the mistake of comparing myself to her and being intimidated.  I still think she's a bit intimidatingly beautiful but she's also compassionate, and kind, and fun, and generous, and thoughtful.  Many of you will recognize the fact that I'm describing my good friend Shannon.  It's her birthday soon so she will be as old as me:).  I hope it is the best birthday ever.  Time has a funny way of speeding past at alarming speeds and before we know it days and even years have gone by.  I am thankful that I have had, over many years, the blessing of having Shannon as my long time friend.