A Letter to my Best Friend, You MATTER

To my Best Friend,

Lately I have been thinking about that adorable picture of us when we were 5 years old at your birthday party. You know the one where my mom thought your uncle was your grandmother’s husband, not quite sure where your grandfather was for her to think that! Oh how your grandmother howled in laughter when we would reminisce about that. I can still her laugh. It was infectious, just like yours is. You remind me of her when I hear you laugh. Actually, so many of your attributes are from her: joyous, proud, strong, beautiful and kind.

I know that you are affected by what the world looks like today, and I also know that the grace and compassion you continue to show is a true testament to what your family taught you from a very young age.

You and I have shared so much. Remember when we would write letters to one another over summer break from school, when we would ride bikes all afternoon when we were old enough (in matching bikes nonetheless)? I can remember celebrating so many joys together, and also will never forget how we supported each other through heartbreaking sorrows. If there could be a photo next to the term BFF, I would want it to be ours. Best Friend Forever. That is us!

You are a woman of God with a faith so strong, a heart bigger than the tallest mountain, a devoted wife, mother, and colleague to your profession.  Honestly, you are more to me than my best friend.  You are part of my family,  like my sister,  right down to my mother worrying about us equally the same way that only a mother can do.  
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It’s hard to remember exactly what drew you and I together in that kindergarten classroom so long ago, but I’m fairly certain that it was our spirits and the way our hearts felt when we were with each other. It’s funny, because I’m fairly certain it’s exactly the same as it is today. The foundation of our relationship remains true to its inception: respect, generosity, love, and kindness. I thank both of our families for mirroring that to us.  

We can laugh at just about anything, have serious conversations, sometimes super quick check in chats, but after every one, I leave the conversation so much better than when I started it... grateful that I have this strong bond with you, who at times knows me better than I know myself.

Our conversations currently are heavier than usual and my heart feels pensive. Above all, I care deeply about how you are feeling right now and how your family feels because everything about you MATTERS to me; your thoughts, fears, joys, and wellbeing MATTER to me. It always has. And now, even though I know your heart is also pensive, you show me that everything about my life also MATTERS to you; my thoughts, fears, joys, wellbeing MATTER to you. It always has.

Always has and Always will... our relationship will never, ever change. I will have your back and you will have mine. We will stand together in the foundations that we were raised upon: kindness, compassion, generosity, and love....and that is how I vow to continue to raise my children.

Love,
Your #1 BFF