Half a lifetime

One of the greatest gifts in life is a true friendship. One that spans time and different stages of life. One that meets you in the moment, whenever that moment may be. Megan is a true friend. Our friendship has spanned half a lifetime and will forever be priceless to me. The funny thing is, SOOOO much has changed over the last 16 years, and yet, there is so much familiarity in our friendship.

It all started in 8th grade at Thompson Jr. High. I remember being in awe of Megan's amazing hair and adorable Guess cuffed shorts. She was so COOL and I just knew that I wouldn't be good enough to be friends with her. I was oh so wrong about her (well except for the amazing hair and cuffed shorts). She was so friendly and encouraging, not at all like I pictured "the cool" girl acting. Our friendship quickly blossomed. Things that stick out about our jr. high friendship are Cover girl compacts and the Othart's graduation party.

That summer we started our inseparable lives. We would roller blade everywhere, swim in CC's backyard, layout on her roof and just have fun. High school started soon and life was good. Even when I had to transfer to Stockdale, our friendship was steadfast. We went to formals together- always West High formals, had many sleepovers at her house where we did our own acrylic nails (while only severing a finger tip or two), scavenged for food and slept on her sleeper sofa. I started to feel comfortable around her family and soon they felt like my own family.

I remember her 16th birthday party -- and her sister's 21st birthday party -- (they share a birthday...and so does this bloggy buddy). Luau BABY! We were so grown up! My best friend was old enough to drive!! (crazy that we're almost double that age now) That was the season of late nights spent making our lips thin to imitate talking like her overthephone boyfriend, her dad waking us up with his singing, and the barrel bangs...oh the bangs. :)

Soon I would return to West...she was the main factor in my choosing to go back to West my junior year. We were two peas in a pod, the QUEENS of dress up days, and always laughing about something! We knew how to have a good time. We would all load into my car for off campus lunches and sometimes Megan would have to sprint across New Stine at the Kern City stoplight to attempt to get to class on time because she had too many tardies. After school, we'd head to CC's with Amy to eat every snack in sight before going to swim practice. Megan got voted most confused-- I'm guessing because of her sweet nature and willingness to go with flow---because honestly, during that stage of life, she was one of the least confused friends I had. She knew where her loyalties were, in Christ! It was during our junior and senior years that Megan really got involved at Westbrook(e) --that joke was you, right Meg? She would bring me with her to church and was instrumental in helping me to get plugged into a church body. I'm so thankful that God placed her and Misha in my life to lead me to Him. I'm thankful that despite all the family turmoil we both dealt with during our high school years, when I look back on those years, it's the strong friendship, the fun, the support that comes to mind instead of the hurt and drama.

Since high school, so much has happened. We've walked with each other through our relationships...both good and bad. We've seen each other get married. We've lived in different countries. We've had pregnancies and babies together. Our friendship is still steadfast...one of my great blessings. Half a lifetime later, I'm so happy to still have Megan as a friend. So tomorrow...on your 30th birthday , Megan, I pray you have an amazing day...making memories with your husband and babies. You get more beautiful with each passing year. Thank you for the influence that you have been in my life over the past 16 years...I can't imagine how different my life would have been without you!