Okay, I have been procrastinating with this post because it makes me sad. Later this month my awesome friend, Teresa, is moving far far away. I have been thinking a lot lately about my friendships both past and present and it makes me want to be a better friend in the future.
Past: I think about so many friends I had growing up. Friends from elementary school who I no longer felt popular enough around when we reached middle school and cut loose. Middle school friends who stretched into high school friends who I drifted apart from as graduation came close and eventually lost touch with when I went to college. Lots of these people are my “friends” on facebook, but that’s not exactly a meaningful relationship. I would love to think that losing touch with these people wasn’t entirely my fault, but I know I made lots of mistakes, got too busy, didn’t make the effort, was seen as too judgmental. College friends who I swore I would keep in touch with and would be my friends forever. I failed miserably.
Present: My closest friends now fall into one of 2 categories – my college girlfriends or girls met through them, and my work friends. What is amazing about my college girlfriends is that they have been my friends longer than anyone else – 13 years to be exact. They have seen me at my worst (boy drama and school stress) and been there for the best (marrying Andy, having Karaline, & Cody). We’ve shared the good (Cropaganza, baby showers, weddings, bachelorette parties) and the bad (losing those we love, pregnancy related scares). Now that one of them is moving away, it makes me realize how many mistakes I’ve made in my past friendships and pray to God that I don’t repeat them. Jen & Teresa - You both have seen me in the middle of all sorts of crazy and loved me anyway. Thank you for always believing in me, seeing the best in me, and loving me unconditionally. Mandy & Deb – I love that Jen has brought you in to our circle of friends. My life is better and more fun with you two in it.
Work friends are easy to stay in touch with, I mean you see them everyday, but move to a different school, and even those friendships have changed and become distant. I watch myself pull away from those people every time. I’ve never been great at geography and apparently that also effects my ability to be a good friend.
Future: I am determined not to let that happen again. Teresa – your move has made me realize the mistakes I’ve made and vow not to let it happen again. I will keep in touch, I will keep up with this blog and stalk yours. Andy and I will come to Phoenix next summer to see you. I will be anxiously waiting for you to come home to Kansas in 5 years or less!
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