Miss. . .

Because the years gone by mean nothing. . .

Because the miles that separate us don’t matter. . .

Because different life directions are only details. . .

Because I’m a believer that when you love someone. . . you ought to let them know.

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While most are finishing up last minute Christmas shopping and anticipating the hustle and bustle of the next few days, I am taking a moment to pause and celebrate the woman who, well over a decade later, I still call “Roomie”. 

Today is the birthday of my college roommate, Malissa, and I just can’t let the day pass without sending her a blog-style hug.

I truly wish everyone had a “Missy” in their life.  You see, she’s the kind of person who walks into a room and within seconds. . . the room brightens.  Suddenly, everyone in her presence is just a little more at ease, more relaxed, and more ready and willing to be real.  When I think about the quality that sets my Friend apart from most, it’s nearly impossible to put words to it.  Simply put, it is just who she is. 

My friend Missy?  She is pure gold.

Miss, we’ve come a long way from 3rd Hirschy.  Our lives have changed immensely and the twists and turns from then until now have been endless, haven’t they?  I could never have imagined back in the day when we would pull “all-nighters” (until 11:30 p.m.) and wear our pajama pants to the dining hall that our lives would look like they do now.  But I’m glad they do.

Over the last several years I have watched you grow and become more rooted in who you are and what you believe.  I have watched you as you stepped out into the unknown and navigated your way through so many tough things.  As I have watched I’ve wondered to myself, how could someone who has always been so strong become even stronger?  But you have.

Miss, you are one of the strongest most courageous people I know and my life has been impacted by you over and over again.  I hope you know how thankful I am for you.

Thank you, Missy, for holding on to me even when I know I was hard to hold on to.  Thank you for bringing out the best in me.  Thank you for showing up on my front porch and sharing both laughter and tears over bowls of soup at Panera.  Thank you for the miles you’ve traveled and the time you’ve given to show me, again and again, that friendship is worth it.  Thank you for your stories.  Thank you for your wisdom.  Thank you for loving on my kids and Chad (appropriately, of course).  Thank you for random texts that make me laugh and brighten my day. 

I really could go on forever (shocking, I know), but I will stop.  Miss, I pause today in celebration of you, because I, and anyone who knows you, know that on this day 30-some* years ago. . . the world became a better place.

Happy Birthday, my dear Friend. 

I love you.

*I do what the “some” is. . . 🙂