My very best friend became engaged yesterday. Her husband-to-be is an incredibly romantic man who stole her away to Sea Island, Georgia and the infamous Cloister Hotel where he dropped down onto one knee and proposed. This is a man who insured that everything was perfect for the moment, even commanding just the right amount of breeze to cool the summer heat. Okay, so maybe he didn’t actually command the weather, but he did insure he had an incredibly beautiful day for them to remember. The experience which included champagne, a magnificent diamond ring, and the most poetic words of adoration one can imagine, was capped by an overnight stay in a very exclusive, very expensive ($2,000/night), four-room suite at the Cloisters. And, if anyone ever deserved such a beautiful, momentous moment, my best friend did.
I get to be a matron-of-honor! I am so happy for the two of them that I can hardly contain myself. Their journey to this moment is what inspires romance novels. It is a love story for the history books and if it is possible for any two people to love a lifetime in just a short time, these two people have. They are inspiring, overcoming monumental odds, and I’ve frequently pulled from their joy to give my characters their own joyous moments.
As I sit reflecting on them and their journey I can’t help but think about the road my friend and I have traveled together over the years. We met in elementary school, fourth grade. We’ve been best friends ever since. There is little that we have not shared. I am closer to her than I am to some of my blood relatives. She is the sister of my soul and I absolutely adore her. She knows my darkest secrets and I know hers. I have been a shoulder for her to cry on more times than either of us can count, and whenever I needed someone to help me get through a rough time she was there.
When my oldest son was diagnosed with cancer last year this time she called me every day to make sure we were all well. The front I had to keep up for my husband and family could come down with her. She allowed me my moments of weakness and I didn’t have to pretend to be strong. She was the first person I called when my son died this past November. I remember saying, “He’s gone” and she replied, “I’m on my way”. I swear she must have hijacked that airplane to get here when she did and she was right here by my side, holding my hand, through the worst of that experience. Family you would have expected to support me didn't even bother to come to the funeral.
I don't think there is anything she wouldn't do for me or me for her. I imagine that if I needed help with burying a body, she'd just bring the shovel and ask questions after the newly planted rose bushes had bloomed for the second time. I wish every woman in the world could be as blessed to have a best friend like I have. I am thankful everyday that she is mine.
I wish her and him a world of happiness and a lifetime of bliss. And, if she asks, I’ll even wear pink ruffles at her wedding. And only because she’s my best friend in the whole world and there's absolutely nothing that I wouldn't do for her.
5 comments:
Deborah,
Great to here that you and your giflfriend are so close. Sorry to hear about your son, life certainly sends us through changes.
I hope that your friend feels the same for you as you do for her. You know, being in her wedding and all. I know that when I got married, my best friend and I had a tif because she wanted to be the maid of honor, but I have a sister, so she takes presidence over best friend. I hope that this is not your case or something similar. Not sure if she already told you that you were her Matron of Honor, but just putting it out there. Either way, your excitment for her would be the same I am sure, even if you are not in the wedding. Well, I wish you the best and congrats to your friend.
BB
Thanks, BB, and you're right, things might not always be as they seem. Thankfully, with my friend and I, we both know exactly where we stand with each other. We are each other's sister first and friend second even though we aren't related by blood. So even if she does relegate me to the back of the church I'll go gladly as long as I know she's happy.
Deborah,
I too am very happy for Angela. When I first met Greg I knew he would eventually ask, just seems like I have been waiting forever to get the call. I am her cousin in Virginia Beach and I had the pleasure of meeting you at her house warming. She updates me on things periodically and I have prayed for both your sister and your son. Storms in life come to make us strong. The key is faith and we must stand no matter what. Continue to know that you are blessed and great things are in store for you and your family.
Deb
Glad to hear about our girl. We are truly blessed to have a great sister in our lives. Your dedication to her was so heart felt. Girl I love reading your blog and you know I had to chuckle about the girl pink ruffles, we definitely can't have you wearing that. (lol)
Love ya, Marsha
Bronda, hello! Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate you stopping by and posting and hope that you'll continue to visit when you can.
Marsha, girl! How are you? I'm so glad you like the blog. You know me, I'm liable to put some of anything and everything out here! And no, I surely wouldn't look good in pink or ruffles! Take care and stay in touch!
Much love!
Post a Comment