Kelly Ann

I met Kelly Ann in the eighth grade at Bedford Junior High School. It was Mr. Glenn's Concert Choir Class. I still remember she was wearing a purple sweater that day. She may not enjoy this memory of mine but I remember thinking how beautiful she was but also thinking she was a snob because she would not smile at me. Soon I realized that the new church my parents had chosen for us to start going to had a huge youth group and Kelly was a part of that group. Her whole family went to the church. At the time I was pretty boy crazy. What fourteen year old girl isn't? The only thing I cared about was having a boyfriend. Needless to say I was not too happy about "beautiful Kelly" being a part of the group because all the boys were in love with her. So the eighth grade rivalry began and lasted until our Senior year in High School. Our relationship was forced pretty much because of the spiritual growing we were doing within the youth group. Our youth pastor was constantly making us work on our relationship and because of that, we became great friends UNTIL boys came into the picture.

So by now you know through this blog and my constant mention of Kelly Ann that she is one of my best friends in the whole world and always will be. We have gotten over our jealousy and rivalry. She has a man, I have a man, and we are both very much in love with our "mans". We have an incredible connection and have been through so much together. Church Camps, Volleyball, Basketball, Choir trips, off campus lunches our Senior Year at Taco Bell (you always got soft tacos!), listening to Ace of Bass in the car (still remember listening to them with you Kelly), fights with our friend Stephanie and horrible breakups. Now we have moved on to husbands, babies, birthdays, good days/bad days we share on the phone, Hobby Lobby trips at Christmas, ALL DAY Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving and deep spiritual growth. She is a gift and I love her more than she probably even knows. About four months ago, I moved away and lately I have been missing her a lot. I have not told her this but she will know after reading this blog post that I have distanced myself a little from her because it hurts that I can't see her. Ten weeks ago she had a baby girl and I did not get to be there. It really made me sad. The morning of I called her and prayed for her over the phone and cried like a baby because I wasn't there. There is no one like Kelly Ann and I miss her dearly and daily.

Today we got to talk on the phone and it was awesome! Kelly Ann is truly one of those friends in my life that I can say ANYTHING to. There is no filter, nothing. I just speak freely and so does she. When we lived close to one another, we constantly talked about marriage and parenting and held one another accountable in both areas. Because of her I have grown in my marriage and in my parenting. This afternoon was one of those phone calls where we got it all out, our guts spilled. I did not hold back because I knew I did not have to be embarrassed or worry myself with fear of her judging me. I really feel renewed and refreshed. We talked about some areas to hold one another accountable and that's what I really need in my life. I need someone to challenge me and point me to scripture. I need someone to help change and/or challenge my perspective and she does all of the above.

Kelly Ann, I love you so much and I can't wait to see you when I come to Dallas in a few weeks. BFF! I know that you know Sunday is a big day for me. You know what the last three years have been like for me. I wish you were going to be there but I know I will feel your prayers. You've always been on the front row of my life and always will be.