Today marks the 31st anniversary of my first date with John. Weird to remember your first date? Probably, except that the day after Valentine’s Day is sorta simple. Also – he was just the cutest thing ever! Unbeknownst to me he had received his third eviction note on his door that morning because he hadn’t paid rent so he could afford to take me out. We were in college so life was incredibly casual but he arrived all dressed up in his nicest coat. Then he took me to one of the most romantic restaurants on campus. They were still having Valentine’s specials (at like $25/person – super pricey for the time). And while I wasn’t aware of the eviction notices, I did know that he was paying his own way and working two jobs – AND my parents raised me right – so I did NOT go with that offer and instead ordered a fish sandwich. He would later say this was the moment he fell in love with me HA! 

I got so lucky meeting John – I knew instantly that he was someone special. And it only took 6 years, and two break ups/make ups for him to find that out about me! Anyway, at this point we are both fully aware how lucky we are and find our only issue is worrying that our kids will get the same luck in finding their partners.

But I haven’t only been lucky in love. I met my best friend in 2nd grade – we still catch up weekly and even when we go for long periods without talking, we’ll find out we were doing the same things – like chopping off inches of our hair within days of one another.

My “big brother” – I met in Jr. High – we grew up in the same town and went to the same church. He is so brilliant and also has the wry-est sense of humor. He makes me laugh no matter what is going on. We traveled to Europe together and roomed together in college – he even introduced me to John. I would walk through fire for him.

I met another ride or die friend my sophomore year of college and we had lunch once a month until I ruined it by moving to another state. But we still call each other and text all the important details – she actually met John the same year I did and has been by my side through all the ups and downs.

My bloggin bestie and I met 26 years ago when John and I first moved to CO. A mutual friend introduced us and I just vibed with her energy immediately. I knew she was someone to be loved and respected and to keep close!

Another bestie – a couple this time – met us the day we moved into our little shire in the foothills of CO. We were raising boys the same age and again, the minute I met them I just knew instantly that these were people I’d want to know forever. And even though we did let our wanderlust get the better of us and left the shire for the coast, we see them as much as possible. And we take one trip together each year (a tradition they are going to have a hard time getting me to give up).

Why am I telling you this? Well I guess I’m just really grateful to have had so many wonderful people put in my path. I’ve always been shy and a bit of a homebody. While I thought I wanted to be a part of a big friend group, it never seemed to work out very well or very long for me. I spent a lot of time wondering what was wrong with me? But now I see that I wasn’t made for those friendships. When I meet someone I like I want to know everything about them, I want to know them so well I can “feel” when it’s time to reach out. There is no way I could dig in that deep with many more friends than I already have. 

So if you feel like everyone else is surrounded by huge groups of adoring friends (as social media would have us believe) but you just can’t seem to find your group, take heart. Maybe you are just meant to be a long-hauler like me. So just keep ‘er moving, the world needs all kinds of kinds!