Spotlight

Who is your best friend?

My best friend is Judy. I met Judy when she was expecting her third child and I was expecting Unsinkable. (There is something wrong about using those two words, “expecting” and “Unsinkable,” in the same sentence….but I digress.) We attended the same church but our paths had never crossed; however God intervened. One evening the preacher invited several couples over to play cards and that is the night I met Judy. We discovered that evening that playing cards and big tummies weren’t the only things we had in common.

A few months later, Judy gave birth to Matthew and I had Unsinkable. Hours were spent in the church nursery singing, diapering, nursing, and just getting to know each other. During that time, I called Judy and asked her to come to a Mary Kay party, she said “ok” and then hung up. Now some of you may not think that is anything big – but back then – I was a HUGE talker. I was just getting warmed up and then she hung up. (She was NOT a talker and we still chuckle over that first awkward conversation.) After a few more short conversations, we discovered we both LOVED to read, loved to cook, loved to sing alto in church, and many other things; we were becoming good friends.

As a good friend, Judy listened to all my silly ideas and kooky plans and never made me feel silly – she would enthusiastically jump right in with me. She did put up with a lot – one of which was my moving. Our family moved many times and Judy came to visit me at each place – no matter the distance.

Now after 27 years, we have survived raising five kids (her three, my two), comforted each other during our divorces, celebrated four of our children’s marriages, flipped out over 8 ½ grandkids (between us), we have buried both of Judy’s parents, she sent flowers to the hospital when my dad had his heart attack, we all swelled with pride when her son Matt enlisted in the Navy (we are all so, so proud of him), and she celebrated with me after I remarried. And we just keep on going.

As a best friends we have discovered many things… one is that you don’t have to give historical facts before you share any news. I can just jump right in and share because I know Judy knows all the characters, the connections to them, and we can just talk. It’s awesome! I can say “RAMBO” and she knows exactly what I am referring to. She can say “MESA FLOUR” and we will break out in groans and laughter. It’s great!

Anyway – this post is for you, JUDY. You are my “oldest” best friend and we will continue on until we’re sitting side-by-side singing alto together in heaven!
Love ya - Jude.