**My apologies on the confusing, wonky formatting of this post.  After several failed attempts to fix it I have decided to save my sanity and let it go!** 

The older I get (I still feel 14), I realize that real friendship is a GIFT and not something that happens everyday.Growing up I was lucky to always have a close-nit group of friends.  I took that for granted not knowing it might not always be that way.

I was a whopping 22, fresh out of college, when I had my first child.  I had a handful of friends with older kids, and a ton of single friends my age… but no one really in my boat.

When we moved to Montana it became pretty clear that my friendship bank was nearing a deficit.  It sucked. I would see moms out and about with other moms, and honestly it would hurt. We went on few play dates with strangers, but nothing really seemed to flow.I wanted a real friend (that lived in my same part of the country!), dangit.   One that knew me, and I knew them.  One that I could call at 3AM if I really needed to.

And then one day… well, one Friday evening actually, my little guy and his loner mom made our way to the park where I met Jeanne.  I thank God we went to the park that night!Now, almost 2 years later, I never want to take our friendship for granted.  It’s a gift.  And not just a gift to me, but to my whole family.  I’m a better wife and mom because of you Jeanne!

It’s a gift to have a friend who likes to have fun.

It’s a gift to have kids the same age.

It’s a gift to have a friend that can witness my (usually well-behaved) 3 year old completely derail over not being the one to push the elevator button, and not cast the tiniest judgement.

It’s a gift to have a friend I trust.

It’s a gift to have a friend whose little one is on the same nap schedule, making playdates easy.

It’s a gift to have a friend whose husbands like each other.

It’s a gift to have a friend who see my house a complete disaster and acts like it looks just fine… making her a fantastic liar.

It’s a gift to have a friend whose daughter is my boy’s best friend.

It’s a gift to have a friend who appreciates all things health like I do.

It’s a gift to have a friend who I can do this blog business with.It’s a gift to have a friend who is funny!It’s a gift to have a friend who is down to earth.

It’s a gift to have a friend who understands the challenge of mothering 2 small kids.It’s a gift to have a friend who is tall (we’re both nearing 6 feet)!It’s a gift to have a friend who doesn’t seem to mind spell and grammer checking my every post  (I’m the WORST).  Jeanne is super smart, and I can’t keep their, they’re and there straight.It’s a gift to have a friend to do life with, the good and the bad.

It’s a gift to have a friend like you, Jeanne!

-Abby