A good friend knows all of your stories.
A best friend has lived them with you.
Though we were only born a few weeks a part, Melissa and I haven't always been as close as we are today. I suppose there are a lot of reasons, all of them unimportant at this point, because now we're two peas in a pod. A while back, my mom expressed some regret that we weren't better friends when we were younger and I've thought about it a lot since that conversation. The conclusion I've reached is that I'm not sad for the time we missed. Friendships in childhood rarely make it to adulthood. We grow at different rates and in different ways. When we were little it seemed as though Melissa and I were so different. However, now I can't imagine not having her in my life for our hearts so often beat in sync.
Melissa radiates joy. Seriously, sometimes it seems like sunshine just bursts out of her. She's a nurse and while I've never been her patient, I can only surmise that she's the best nurse ever. Seriously. I can say that with absolutely no bias. :) Don't get me wrong, I've seen her frustrated and upset...but she has this beautiful ability to find the good in any situation. I am reserved and guarded around most people, not because I don't like them...but because I'm an introvert and don't feel completely comfortable outside of my inner circle. With Melissa I can be myself...silly, serious, and everything in between...there's freedom in friendships that are tried and true.
Everyone needs a Melissa in their life. Someone who not only supports your dreams, but chases them with you.
For a couple of years now, we've been attacking our bucket lists together. Crossing off dreams accomplished and soon, because of her pushing and can-do spirit, my 30 Before 30 list will be just a bit shorter. In March 2012, we went to a Needtobreathe concert in Charleston, SC to celebrate my 24th birthday. Bear, the lead singer, talked about a charity they support that is based out of Charleston called Palmetto Medical Initiative. At that time, PMI took trips four times a year to Nicaragua and Uganda (they now also go to Burundi). A few weeks later we were driving to Birmingham on an impromptu adventure to see the Avett Brothers on St. Patrick's Day and she told me that she felt that God had called her to Uganda during that speech and the song that followed and that she had filled out an application to go to Uganda with PMI. I wished I could do the same and go with her to Africa, but I had no job, no prospects for a job, and was actually considering going to nursing school so that I could get a job...all of which we discussed on the way to Alabama (a few months later Melissa helped me move to Winchester). We decided that one day we would go together. She went to Uganda in December 2012 and as soon as she got back, we started planning her second and my first trip to Africa. March 2014 was the date we decided upon...but honestly, even though I desperately wanted to go, I didn't think it was going to happen. Too much money, too much time off...but she insisted. In October, after our hot air balloon ride, while standing in line for a Needtobreathe concert, she told a new friend in line that we were going to Uganda in March. I gave her one of those skeptical looks and she said, "Oh, it's going to happen. We're going." That's the thing about best friends, they refuse to let you give up on your dreams. They patiently and lovingly listen to all of your excuses about why you can't...then they stand by you, support you, and show you that you can. On January 25th, we'll be celebrating another birthday in Charleston, Melissa's this time, while we attend PMI team training. On March 7th, we go to Africa.
The story God is writing for me is one that amazes me. Sure, the twists and turns are at times surprising, but so often, my story seems more like a fairy tale. I have so many wonderful people in my life, many more than I deserve. To be living this story with Melissa, to share this journey with her, is one of God's greatest blessings. The story is happier and the journey is easier when you have a great friend by your side. I could never, in a short blog post or in the rest of our lives, find the right words to express how much Melissa and her friendship mean to me. I just know that I am so grateful to have a friend like her for the journey.
Melissa and I could both use financial support and prayers as we prepare to go to Uganda. If you'd like to give Melissa an early birthday present and contribute to her trip, you can do so here.
Everyone needs a Melissa in their life. Someone who not only supports your dreams, but chases them with you.
For a couple of years now, we've been attacking our bucket lists together. Crossing off dreams accomplished and soon, because of her pushing and can-do spirit, my 30 Before 30 list will be just a bit shorter. In March 2012, we went to a Needtobreathe concert in Charleston, SC to celebrate my 24th birthday. Bear, the lead singer, talked about a charity they support that is based out of Charleston called Palmetto Medical Initiative. At that time, PMI took trips four times a year to Nicaragua and Uganda (they now also go to Burundi). A few weeks later we were driving to Birmingham on an impromptu adventure to see the Avett Brothers on St. Patrick's Day and she told me that she felt that God had called her to Uganda during that speech and the song that followed and that she had filled out an application to go to Uganda with PMI. I wished I could do the same and go with her to Africa, but I had no job, no prospects for a job, and was actually considering going to nursing school so that I could get a job...all of which we discussed on the way to Alabama (a few months later Melissa helped me move to Winchester). We decided that one day we would go together. She went to Uganda in December 2012 and as soon as she got back, we started planning her second and my first trip to Africa. March 2014 was the date we decided upon...but honestly, even though I desperately wanted to go, I didn't think it was going to happen. Too much money, too much time off...but she insisted. In October, after our hot air balloon ride, while standing in line for a Needtobreathe concert, she told a new friend in line that we were going to Uganda in March. I gave her one of those skeptical looks and she said, "Oh, it's going to happen. We're going." That's the thing about best friends, they refuse to let you give up on your dreams. They patiently and lovingly listen to all of your excuses about why you can't...then they stand by you, support you, and show you that you can. On January 25th, we'll be celebrating another birthday in Charleston, Melissa's this time, while we attend PMI team training. On March 7th, we go to Africa.
The story God is writing for me is one that amazes me. Sure, the twists and turns are at times surprising, but so often, my story seems more like a fairy tale. I have so many wonderful people in my life, many more than I deserve. To be living this story with Melissa, to share this journey with her, is one of God's greatest blessings. The story is happier and the journey is easier when you have a great friend by your side. I could never, in a short blog post or in the rest of our lives, find the right words to express how much Melissa and her friendship mean to me. I just know that I am so grateful to have a friend like her for the journey.
Melissa and I could both use financial support and prayers as we prepare to go to Uganda. If you'd like to give Melissa an early birthday present and contribute to her trip, you can do so here.
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