Like We Were Never Apart

Every summer since the 5th grade we've tried to get together. Of course, over the years it has gotten harder and harder, between jobs and kids. So this year I was ecstatic when Stacey asked to come visit for a few days. We planned in perfectly ... Tim had a fishing trip with his work this past weekend, so it was only natural that Stacey could come then. I'd have another set of hands around the house while he was gone ... and we could have some real girl time without having to worry about annoying a man! So Friday night at 9:45 my best friend walked through my door. poor thing, she had driven in a torrential downpour for over 2 hours to get here, driving from Virginia for 10 hours straight. We hugged, brought the luggage in, and settled down like we had never been apart.

It's funny how this always happens. I'm always a bit nervous before we see each other -- how will it be? will we still have things to talk about? have we changed? will we still have a lot in common? I don't know why I even worry about these things. No matter how long it's been (I haven't seen her since I was pregnant with Tanner), it's like we're neighbors and we see each other all the time. And we don't even get to talk on the phone that much ... but we've never lost each other.

So we had a weekend filled with fun friend stuff. We "shopped" without buying much on Saturday ... we looked at house stuff ... we visited with Mom ... I watched my kids love on their Aunt Stacey ... we even got to go out for Mexican and margaritas ... oh, and ice cream. He he he What else are best friends supposed to do?? We were able to do some real talking during our dinner, catching up on the things that we never have time to talk about on the phone or over e-mail. It's hard to have a real conversation with kids in the background.

Then, Monday afternoon it was time to say goodbye. Again. I always dread it because we don't know how long it will be before we see each other again. I tried not to cry when we hugged, but I can't hold back those tears any better now than I could in the 5th grade when she moved away.

I am truly lucky to have a friend like Stacey -- one who never judges me, no matter how differently we may view things. She loves me unconditionally ... and I'm so blessed to have her in my life!