We made plans to have her family over for dinner, and Cooper started referring to it as "The Feast." This then evolved into a costume party for the kids, and even involving the boys in picking the menu. After a few hours of great conversation, and watching the kids run and play together, I walked them through the door and reveled in the amount of joy I felt. I was truly blessed to have such an amazing person in my life, and especially so close.
Moving to Texas also brought us within 3 hours of my mom and 2 sisters, as well as another friend just 3 hours in the opposite direction. Can I really be this lucky?
The military offers the unique opportunity to interact with more people than most families that live in the same town/state their entire lives. It is then that you form friendships and bonds that may be simply for a season or, if you're lucky, for a lifetime.
My friend and I had discussed how we've lost contact with some of the friends before being an Army Wife due to a lack of relatable issues. I agreed and remembered people I couldn't seem to life without during Nursing School, but then once we graduated the interaction seemed less vital to my survival. This isn't saying those relationships aren't as important (because I would not have survived without their help), but as we grow and change, so do our needs.
I am so thankful for the friends I have made in my life because they:
- kept me sane in High School
- helped me navigate Army Life
- built my confidence and gave me support in the absence of my Sexy Beast
- would sing along to my internal jukebox and bring a smile to my face
- consume copious amounts of caffeine while studying into the wee hours of the morning
- would watch me grow and support my decisions
- wouldn't hesitate to drop a truth bomb when necessary
- would assist me in conquering things I didn't know I was capable of
- often lended a supportive ear
- set a great example and gave me a desire to emulate their passion.
