This week, my readers got a chance to read from my first ever BFF on Monday about her struggles with infertility. As I mentioned, she is the most beautiful person that I know: inside and out. What I failed to mention is how we met.

I walked into Mrs. Hanson’s fourth grade class with my heart aflutter about the smell of new crayons and the feel of a brand new backpack. I had no idea what this year would hold for me as I saw the tall, elegant, blonde teacher standing in the front of the room. Written on the board in bold letters was “choose a seat anywhere.”. I sat next to a little girl with dark hair and dark eyes. I had been in this elementary school every year, but had never seen this girl before.

She didn’t say much; I could tell she was shy.

“You’re as quiet as a cat.” I told her.

And from that moment, a friendship was born.

I often wonder where I got that simile, as I hate cats, but I really felt drawn to this sweet girl.

Our friendship has survived nearly twenty years, my relentless and unsolicited fashion tips, countless broken hearts, and five different cities. She will be a friend I will have until the end of my days.

True friendship is a rare gift that I do not take for granted. I found my second BFF in a small apartment in Athens, Georgia. We met briefly as she sat on the couch with her college sweetheart and I walked in attempting to land my college sweetheart. She and I became closer when we attended a UGA basketball game together and I raved about a date that…would’ve only made it to the second date.

I knew that Bren was my best friend the night she came over to my house and we watched Mean Girls all the way through and giggled throughout each of the scenes. When the movie was over, we looked at each other and said, almost in unison…”do you want to watch it again?”

She was one of the first friends I had in college that I had an awesome time with without making any decisions that I would regret in the morning. Her friendship breathed truth into my life during a time I needed it most. I am convinced that her unyielding pursuit of showing me Jesus in my darkest hours is the reason that I have returned solidly to my faith today. It is amazing how one person can bring you back to Christ simply by living their faith.

Bren has just given birth to a beautiful baby boy named Judah. I often wonder if Judah and Bennett will share the friendship that Bren and I have. As they are only two months apart, I hope that as they get into little boy mischief, they also develop a strong friendship.

Yesterday was their first official playdate. They have met and seen each other before, but this time, both were calm and alert enough to play.

I hope that Judah and Bennett always encourage each other in the way of the Lord. I hope that these boys find a bond that is unshakable when everything in their lives is shaken. I pray that you make memories to last a lifetime and have as much fun as your mommies have together.