Before I begin with the sap I am going to share that it has been once again, a wild and crazy year. Which has made me decide that instead of introducing each post with a “back from hiatus” joke/reference I am going to move forward with blogging “seasonally.” Especially since most of my posts are recapping moments either around holidays or during the summer months when life for me is less hectic. However, the recapping will have to wait since clearly from the title, this post serves a different purpose. A tribute.
In just a few short days two young women will reach a milestone. One that makes me happy, sad, and every emotion in between and for various reasons. You see, these two have been my BFF’s since before they could remember. When I reflect on my life they have been at the core of many memories. So what would a tribute be without a walk down memory lane?
 |
| *Photo provided to transport us to 1999 |
1. Before you were even born I remember moving from Colorado to Kansas City and having to pull over because mom’s feet were swelling so much.
2. I still remember sitting on mom and dad’s waterbed talking about what they planned on naming the two of you. Kelly and Faith were pretty solid choices. I HOPE you two agree.
3. Even if we griped about it then being crammed into the bedroom with Lindsay and Megan made for a wild childhood. Can you imaging bunk beds, an additional bed, and the three of us getting along enough to sleep together?!
4. I was in the third grade when the two of you were born. Everyone at Hillcrest was fascinated by twins. When dad came to pick us up to go to the hospital you all were the talk of the school! I’m pretty sure they even made an announcement about it. I think that was what it meant to go “viral” back in the day.
5. There are too many times to count when we were at the store and Lindsay would be mistaken for your mom. This allowed mom to practice being a grandma. Even if it was for a split second before Lindsay quickly corrected the cashiers.
6. When we first got Alba I remember walking with mom to go and pick the two of you up from school. A small piece of my heart still expects you and A-Rod to get married Faith!
Fast forward a couple years later.
7. I’ve been through every fad (feathers in the hair), boy band crush, and TV addiction. Let me tell you *NSYNC and Baskstreet Boys are 100x better than Justin Bieber, Hannah Montana, 5SOS.... should I go on?
8. Andrew has been one of the “girls” for just as long. I’d almost be willing to bet he’d put *NSYNC over Hannah Montana any day. Especially after having the opportunity to see her in 3D with 150 other screaming girls.
9. The two of you have been a part of Andrew and I’s relationship from the beginning and it has made me love him even more. I have gotten to see him turn from a weird guy I was hanging out with to a brother to the two of you. For that I thank you. (At this point I should also thank Andrew for putting up with the three of us).
10. Summer time at the pool. Walking up to play on the playground at Kentucky Trail. Remember when Andrew had to go to the bathroom and said he’d meet us up there. By dusk he hadn’t returned... what a crappy day that was. :)
11. Thanks to Facebook and it’s automatic tagging feature I have lived vicariously through high school again and have been able to hold onto my youth that much longer.
12. High school years come with many firsts- first dances, first boy crushes, first time driving, first job, etc.
13. With that I have also experienced heartbreak that comes with young “love,” growth, disappointment, and an understanding of why my mom thought I was so difficult as a teenager.
14. And after Thursday I will be able to add another memory to the list. Your graduation.
As graduation has gotten closer I have caught myself reflecting. I shared this with Andrew this past weekend and I believe it to be true. Be grateful for every experience you have had. It is easy to say “I am so done with high school,” or “I’m ready to leave this god forsaken place.” Trust me I said those things too and they might very well be true. But don’t forget these things. These are the things that have made you who you are. As you are going through many lasts right now and experiencing different emotions, embrace those emotions. Those emotions are a sign that you’ve lived. That you care. That you’ve been impacted by the moments that have lead to this one. So be grateful for that. Be proud of the hard work you put in to get to this moment. But stay humble. Learn from the moments when you were knocked down but make sure you always pick yourself back up. Dust yourself off and continue to move forward. Those are the opportunities you will learn and grow in most. Seize those opportunities and never forget where you came from. Soon you will look back on those moments thinking where did the time go. Trust me- I’m thinking it as I write this.
So there you have it. A tribute. A tribute to my two best friends- Kelly and Faith.
