Thank you to my friends...

2008 was a year of change, growth, and learning. I wanted to thank my closest friends properly...



Abby - I'll always remember holding your hand on the most important day of your life. Helping you during your labor was a life changing experience for me, and I can't express how thankful I am that you felt comfortable with me being there. You've come so far from where you were, and I'm so proud of the person you are now. I always knew you'd be a good mother, but you've far exceeded every expectation. Ruthie is a beauty and you're doing such a good job. Thank you for being such a strong, amazing lady.



Alex - I've learned from you more about personal growth than anyone else. You're ever changing and learning, and your quest for love, knowledge, and understanding makes me want to follow in your footsteps in so many ways. I'm learning to love myself as much as you love me, and that's important. Thank you.



Bailey - You came back into my life and turned everything upside down in an unexpected and wonderful way this spring. Thank you for being an incredible friend who never ceases to push me out of my comfort zone just a little in order to bring the fun. Thank you for helping to expand my horizons and for always keeping me laughing.



Ben - Never in my life has someone shown so much trust, generosity, and faith without even meeting me in person. To help me in the way you have, you've made it possible for me to do what I do and grow my business to support my family. Thank you for trusting me. I wouldn't be doing all of this without you.



Chelsea - Thank you for allowing me to watch you grow and mature into a beautiful young woman. I'm thrilled to see where you'll go in this big world, and I promise I'll be watching all the way. Love you little sister.



Chris - Its strange to me that our lives have paralleled in the ways they have. We're certainly two people who should always be close, and I can't thank you enough for all of the love and kindness you've shown me. Thank you for being such a good friend and so accommodating this fall. I miss you every day.



Cyndi - You say you're a bitch but I still just don't believe it. You're such an honest friend that I couldn't possibly imagine being without you. We've never even met in person, yet you're one of the first people I talk to when something big is going on in my life. You're one of my closest friends and I love your advice, support, kindness, and stories. You are amazing.



Danelle - Thank you for teaching me to love my weaknesses and embrace my faults by showing me yours and loving so freely. Thank you for listening to me cry and always making me laugh, I miss you so very much.



Emily - Thank you for showing me sides of yourself I never expected to see. You're a true friend, an open book, and probably one of the most confident women I know. I still catch myself being shocked by some of the things you say and do because you absolutely own every situation you're in. Thank you for being an inspiration.



Evan - Thank you for being a constant beacon of love and kindness and for following your dreams. You are truly an inspiration to me.



Jamey - We lost out on a lot of years, but hanging out with you just once made up for it. Its amazing to me when you can pick up where you left off and feel so completely connected to someone. I love you to pieces and I hope to always have you in my life.



Jen - Your generosity and kindness will never cease to amaze me. Thank you for going so far above and beyond anything I could've ever expected of you and your family. Living on your farm this spring was a truly wonderful experience and I am so thankful that I was able to do so. Eating Thai food one Friday night at the cottage with the kiddos playing will always be one of my fondest memories. You are an incredible friend and I love you three so much.



Jessica - You might possibly be the craziest person I know, but its such a good crazy. Your innocence and love is what draws people to you, and the hilarious things that fall out of your mouth are what keep us coming back for more. You're a loyal and wonderful friend. Thank you for always bringing the laughs and love.



Katie - Thank you for sticking to your guns when it comes to raising your child in the way that works for you. Your knack for listening and understanding Olive's needs and wants, and finding a balance between mom and friend is inspirational to say the very least. You don't give a damn about the status quo, instead you've carved out a way of parenting that's exactly perfect for you and Olive. I'm amazed by you and your incredible little girl. Keep on rockin, mama.



Keith - When we speak about connections, we know what we're talking about. Thank you for chemistry and inspiration, thank you for intelligent conversation and laughs. Most of all, thank you for being someone I know I can always go to for any and everything. Hearts.



Liz - You are definitely a different breed of cat. You're independent, strong, opinionated, and you are always doing your own thing. I'm amazed by your friendship and support, and inspired by your love with Drew. I am so proud to call you a friend.



Maegan - You are a loving, genuine friend and I couldn't ask for anything more rewarding than knowing that you're thinking of me, wishing I was there with you. I wish I was too, and I hope that sometime in the near future we'll be close enough to run around together like we used to. Your love, creativity, and light shine out of you in a way that I crave constantly. I miss you so incredibly much. Thank you for being my muse.



Marshall - Transitioning from husband and wife to best friends has been hard, but I feel like we're doing it quite well. Thank you for offering your support and having faith in what I do. Thank you for loving our daughter in the way she deserves to be loved. Most of all, thank you for loving me, even if its in a very different capacity than we're used to.



Mom - Your endless support is always appreciated more than I can show. Thank you for being there for me when I need to cry, yell, vent or laugh. I love you so much.



Meredith - From the moment I saw you I knew I'd love you forever. I became absolutely addicted to you, from your smile to your kindness... you have an innocence and light about you that I found myself wanting to constantly bask in. I have no idea where you're going to go in your life, and I absolutely cannot wait to see. Thank you for being a wonderful friend, a beautiful person, and a tremendous inspiration.



Rachael - I feel like I've known you forever, and in so many ways wish I had... We're so very similar, and I feel like the advice and support you offer me comes completely from the heart. Your kindness is paired with a level of sassy that makes it totally impossible not to love you to pieces. You are adorable, and so is that beautiful baby girl of yours.



Sam - Thank you for teaching me how to build functional friendships with men. Through trial and (obviously quite a bit of) error I've grown and learned how to keep close male friends in a way I never had figured out on my own, and I owe it to maturity, being more confident and sure of myself, but mostly to the loss of our friendship. Thank you.



Wes - Thank you for being such a catalyst for positive change in my life. You shook me awake in a way no one else has, and continue to do so from time to time, just when I need it. Thank you.



Zaynab - We've been best friends since we were 12 years old, and we know each other better than anyone else in the world does. I've learned so many lessons from you over the years that its hard to pinpoint just one or two to thank you for, therefore thank you for being an amazing friend. Thank you for your overwhelming generosity, your constant love, and your support no matter what. Thank you for being my best friend.

4 comments:

February 4, 2009 at 2:37 PM Danelle said...

So, that brought me to tears. I am so very blessed to be your friend, and know that I have been distant since moving across the country. I don't think I will ever find a friend here quite like you, and that is a damn shame. That is why I have now decided that you must come visit, because I just can't stand to wait another year to see you again. I have always watched you with amazement, of your energy, creativity, passion, devotion. You are so incredibly smart and beautiful too. Keep smiling because you can light up the world with just that! You certainly brightened my life, during a difficult transition, of being completely settled in Arkansas and now being here, starting all over. All I know is that I miss you and love you! Give Marti Pearl the biggest hugs and kisses from me ever! xoxo

February 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM Melissa said...

That is a very sweet, special post!

February 4, 2009 at 3:47 PM Anonymous said...

I'm pretty speechless. And, you know me........that's a rarity for me.

When we first got to be friends I felt like "Wow, I can't believe she wants to be friends with me". I still feel that way. I feel lucky to be included in your life and lucky to have stumbled upon someone who is just so great.

Thanks.

*hugs*

February 12, 2009 at 3:43 PM Unknown said...

you have wonderful + beautiful friends! i'm glad someone can take care of my lj gal ;)