Friends Are Friends Forever

Everyone has a core group of friends. The ones that you can go to anytime anyplace anywhere for anything. I actually have several that I managed to make over the years. And, I am grateful for and blessed by each and every one of them.

One such group would be the high school gals.. actually we met before then, but our relationships sort of became solidified during that time.
Liz aka Elizabeth/Lizbeth/Lidabuh/Frank, Fran aka Narf, Frank, Frances, Frannie, Krissy aka Kristen, Jen aka Jennifer, & Kim aka Lo, Schlo. oh and me..
I met Liz, Jen, and Lo in 7th grade. Krissy sometime before that and Fran I've known the longest. She and I went to church together and if memory serves me that means we met somewhere between 4th and 6th grade.
Each of these girls I love very dearly. Over the years our friendships have had their ups and downs but I know at the end of the day they are there for me and I for them. They're my Ya-Ya's..

"We are the flames of the fires, the whirling of the winds. We are the waters of the rains and the rivers and the oceans. We are the rocks and the stones. And now by the power invested in me, I declare we are the mighty Ya-Ya priestesses. Let no man put us under. Now our blood flows through each other as it's done for all eternity. Loyal forever. We raise our voices in the words of Mumbo Gumbo... YA-YA!"


Everyone's all grown up now of course (for the most part) and off doing their own things.. I'm so proud of us all..
Case in point, Fran, is off to embark on a new journey. It's why I'm writing this.. she's headed off to another state hours and hours away to start a new career. I wish her much luck and many blessings. I know she and Ethan will be wildly successful and I couldn't be happier for her. and just like I know all this I know our friendship will endure...

Song of the Day:
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong