Archive for the 'Family' Category

Nicole and I have been friends almost for as long as I can remember. Actually, we were eight years old when her family moved to our tiny little town in Idaho and I just knew that God had sent her there especially for me. I’ll never forget the first time she came to my house to play. We pulled carrots out of the garden and got stuck in mud up to our knees. Then that night we had a sleepover in the tent outside in the front yard and freaked out because we thought coyotes were prowling around, ready to eat us. (Turns out they were skunks. Which, in hindsight, I realize was probably much worse.) We were inseparable from then on.

We had grandiose plans of going off to college together, being roommates, having our first “real” boyfriends at the same time, getting married the same year, living next door to each other and having babies together, who would ultimately end up being best friends, just as we had been. But as soon as we graduated high school, life had other plans for us both and we ended up going our separate ways.

Fast forward almost 15 years and we now live hundreds of miles apart. But thanks to the wonders of technology, we have been able to keep in touch and stay close (albeit not “next door neighbor” close. But rather “you were one of my dearest friends while growing up and I will always have a special place in my heart for you” close).

Yesterday, as Nicole was driving through town, on her way to visit her family for Thanksgiving, she made a stop by our home. She and I were able to see each other for the first time in more than 10 years. It was amazing. There’s something fairly miraculous about being with someone whom you haven’t seen in ages, and feeling like time has magically melted away. It’s comforting.

Nicole and I now each have two little boys of our own. I took some quick photos of her with her little guys before she had to hit the road again. It was really special to see her interact with her children. Motherhood suits her.

I really hope it’s not 10 years before I see her again. Because even with those aforementioned wonders of technology, nothing beats actually BEING WITH your childhood best friend and reliving those memories that made you who you are. I will always love Nicole.

Now, enjoy these pictures of my dear friend with her boys …