I don't often include people's names in my blog, but this is an exception.
I don’t remember when we first met, but it was many years ago now. We have rejoiced, enjoyed, and endured so many things throughout the years. We survived the angst of high school and have been through marriages, divorce, and raising kids together. Our friendship has grown with all of our life experiences and we have laughed and cried through it all . . . together.
We became particularly close when we both were going through divorce. Everyone that has to go through that should have that person that you can call anytime day or night to get through it. When I was sad to give up what I thought was my future, she reminded me of the future that was now my own to create. When I was mad, she got down into the trenches and agreed that I had every reason to be mad and let me just let it out. When I was unsure of what came next, she would talk things out until I became sure again. Jan and my Mom got me through that time.
Through my life and loss of my beloved Tim, Jan was always there. She took a supporting role because she knew that although my relationship with Tim was great, she also knew that our time together may not be as long as we wanted so she let us have whatever time we could have. As Tim got sicker, she was there to be whatever I needed and when he passed, she was my lifeline. She would talk to me every day and not only got me through so many days, but also helped me have fun. We forged out ahead with my new life…correction ~ our new life, together as what I imagined having a sister would be like. Regardless of the sadness that held a part of my heart, we had FUN. We took on the world by storm, claiming our new found “Red Girl” take no prisoners attitude.
There is just something really amazing having someone be that close that they can hear what you are thinking even when you don’t say it out loud. I don’t take that for granted, I love every moment of it. I love having someone that I trust to be able to say… “really, uh, don’t wear that” or “don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking, Missy” and be spot on. I try and be there for her as much as she has been there for me, but it is such a labor of love it takes no effort.
So I celebrate Jan and what she has meant and continues to mean to me today, on the eve of her birthday (I won't say which one, haha). Love you, my sister. We will, of course, be spending it together.
