Friends

So, it's been a week since Katie visited and I have yet to blog about it. So here we go! We had a really great weekend together. It was so nice to get a break from reality. And I think Maddie was more upset to see her go than anyone else. She saw a picture of Katie and kept saying, "Kagee, fend. Madeline fend."

Katie and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. I know her family moved into our neighborhood when we were pretty young. I'm sure I was about 5 or so when she moved in (well, I was probably younger than that, because below is a picture from my 5th birthday). For some reason, I distinctly remember going over to her house to meet her for the first time. I think it was because I was SO incredibly shy, that being forced to make a new friend scared me to death. But somehow I conquered that fear and made my way over to her house. We really have been friends ever since.

I never had sisters, just brothers, so it was a welcome change to have Katie and her sisters to play with. And over time, Katie did become my sister. We were always at each other's houses. I think during the summers we lived on her outdoor trampoline. We did the same things, sometimes even dressed the same and did our hair the same. It was Katie that introduced me to gymnastics. We lived that life together too.

And although we haven't kept in real close touch throughout the years, we've always stayed friends. We've been through boyfriends, missionaries, fiances, college, weddings, and late nights together. We rejoice in each other's accomplishments, and are saddened by each other's trials.

I think one of the things I like best about Katie is that when I'm with her, I never feel like I have to have my house totally clean or make sure my kids are wonderfully well-behaved. I know she accepts me for who I am and for what I'm trying to become. So thanks, Katie, for being a true friend. I admire you and love you!