Thursday, November 16, 2006

What about Bob?

Celebrating birthdays of friends old and new I took a short trip to Arkansas this past weekend. One friend has been there for me all 30 years of my life, while others I just met. What a wonderful time we all had together. I showed up Friday night in the middle of a storm. It was beautiful looking out of the plane and watching the lightning light up the clouds. (Perhaps I should have been nervous, but all I noticed was the beauty.) Safely landed I was greeted at the airport by Stephanie (who was born 17 days after me and has been there for me through everything in my life), Allison (a friend I met in school growing up, who is one of the most vibrant people I know - and I don't see her enough), and Laurie (a friend I met in Japan, with whom I share some of the most incredible memories of my life - she did after all help me get Michael Young's autograph). More friends (Gronow and Jamie) waited at the house and what a wonderful time we had. Fun, games, and an abundance of food and fellowship - and Stephanie's surprise was still to come.
It's time for dinner Saturday night when suddenly the doorbell rings. There stands Bob - our limo driver! Boy did he get an earful on the ride, since he never put the middle window up - I really hope he enjoyed our conversations. It's a good thing he left the window down though or we quite possibly would still be out there somewhere. Just getting to the house he got lost and he couldn't find the restaurant - seriously, how do you become a limo driver and not know your way around? After dinner we decided we needed to make a pit stop at Target (yes, in the limo!) Once again Amy, Jamie, and Steph (as Bob liked to call her) had to give Bob directions. We somehow arrived back at the house - though I am not quite sure how Bob made it to his next appointment without someone to give him directions. What a memorable 30th birthday celebration!

It just reminded me how blessed I am. No matter where I have been in my life I have been surrounded by the most incredible friends possible. In my hometown I grew up with seven friends who endured the best and the worst together. They encouraged me and loved me when I didn't think too highly of myself (and still do to this day). Off to college and I'm on my own - or so I thought. How wrong could I be! Once more I was given above and beyond what I had imagined. Friends who challenged me, taught me, encouraged me, and strengthened me. All of these friends have held me up when things were tough, and have always kept life entertaining and full of joy. So, in case I haven't told you before - THANKS! I love you all!