God's Gift of Friendship...

susan and i, about a year ago!

susan is moving.  she is one of my very best friends in the whole world.  i am so sad.  today i went over to their house, and it really hit home.   their house is in a bit of disarray as they are packing her hubby up; their family is driving to el paso this weekend to move him, and then susan and the boys will return to finish out the school year here.  

i will never forget the first time i saw susan in the hallway at church; she and scott were heading to a sunday school class, i think, with their friends the garlands.  i actually thought that both susan and scott were in the military...she had a VERY short haircut!   in reality, her husband was an f-15 fighter pilot stationed at tyndall air force base, and she was a stay at home wife!  

we became fast friends, with a common love for ladies Bible studies and women's ministries!    that was about 14 years ago, i think.  although the military moved them away from us once before, they were only gone about 2 years that time.  we've been through trips, tent camping, moves, infertility, babies, adoption, deaths, major illnesses, having a baby with Down syndrome, open heart surgery and so much more together!    i could write a book about all the life experiences we have shared!   there's so much more than this brief paragraph portrays..... she has been there for me and i have been there for her...NO MATTER WHAT!   as the Bible says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

the memories just came flooding back today, and i must admit that i was a little teary as i was leaving her neighborhood.   this is really happening.  and it will be here before i know it!   last summer we were able to hear michael w. smith sing "friends" while we were together for his beach concert....it could not have been a more perfect setting!   God blessed me with this precious lady....a strong woman of God.....and i am so thankful for her!   but i sure will miss her.....