An Ode to Chrissie

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.

A friend is someone who knows the real you and likes you anyway.

A friend loveth at all times. Proverbs 17:17

When I moved to Alabama almost SEVEN (so hard to believe) years ago, it was obviously life changing...and difficult. I left everything and everyone I had known. Ironically, the people I moved here with moved back to Kentucky and I remain, which lets me know that God had it all set up for me. I met my husband here, had a daughter, bought our first home, found a great church, graduated college...lots of milestones in life.

For many of the years I lived here, I lacked something which made it difficult to call this home: friends. Yes, I have Travis, but I still needed FRIENDS. I have several that I call that now, thank God! There is one in particular that is closest to my heart....

I was 7 1/2 months pregnant. No one knew me other than that "Christina Aguilera looking girl that sings good." I was waiting for Travis at the back of the church when this bouncy, skinny, beautiful girl with long brown hair goes, "HEY! I'm Chrissie! I just wanted to introduce myself. You're pregnant?! Oh my goodness, I hate YOU! You're tiny. We'll have to get together sometime." Not thinking much of it, considering pretty much everyone I met said that, I smiled and walked away. A few weeks later, she had a Christmas card for me and my family. A few weeks later, Sage was born. She had a gift for me. It was an outfit that I had seen and loved but never bought at Gymboree complete with matching hat. She had no idea. SOULMATES.

That's been years ago, and if I'd known what a jewel she'd turn out to be, I would've taken in each moment more than I have. She will find something amazing in a store full of junk. SHE always looks amazing, though she'd deny it. She has a flair for decorating and creativity that I secretly covet. And cooking?! Wow, amazing. If her blog wasn't private, I'd send you a link to some of the meals SHE has made. We can have fun together doing nothing, but we usually add to that by shopping and always eating. She can bargain and talk a deal like none I've EVER seen. I can honestly say she's one of the most thoughtful people I know. She's always listening, noticing things about others and then doing something for them in a manner they will appreciate.

She's always taking time to help me with whatever I may have going on. After already tagging her own TWO kids' clothes for a consignment sale, she helped me. She is always on the lookout for the best deal for me, best coffee maker, best bed...best whatever I'm looking for at that time. When I have a problem, she's trying to help me solve it. And that is the truth. And most currently, I've been really sick with an ear infection from hell...part sick, part anxiety...and she's listened every time and helped me through, what's been for me, a very difficult time. She is my friend in spite of the fact that I'm psychotic all or most of the time. Thank you, my friend. It is my privilege to call you that. I love you, and I hope I can give HALF to you what you have to me.

"The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them."
- John 15:13