My Friend Katie

It's hard to know what to post about my friends. I'm blessed with an over-abundance of close friends whom I love and adore like crazy. They are all unique in their own way and truly a huge blessing in my life. I couldn't live without all of them. I would never want any of them to feel left out in any way. But I also want to give credit where credit is due, and brag on the ones I'm closest to right now who are making an impact on me daily. It's a special bond and I'm so grateful. 

Needless to say, the past couple days I've had to come to the true reality that I've been trying so hard to deny. I've been living in such denial that my dear friend is moving away. I'm trying so hard not to let it get to me, but every time a close friend moves away, I have a really hard time and find myself depressed and hiding out and pretending like everything's okay on the surface to those not closest to me.

Without further ado, let me introduce someone really special. Her name is Katie.

She's unlike anyone I've ever known. She is uninhibited, which I absolutely adore about her. She's not at all shy, doesn't feel awkward about anything, cheers loudly, dances awesomely, talks openly, loves passionately, has deep integrity and solid faith, is thoughtful, wise, crazy, loud, sweet, spunky, hilarious as all get out, easy to feel comfortable around, laidback, witty, blunt like no one else I know, has no fear {really}, knows and says what I need to hear when I need to hear it, is one of the best shopping buddies I've ever had...

...is crazy about country music which is the only thing about her that makes me want to gag ;), has excellent taste, is a newlywed and just adores her hubby, is extremely talented, completely bonkers, has a contagious laugh, and in knowing her just under a year... she's quickly become one of the closest friends I've ever had in the shortest amount of time.

She's real. Honest. Insightful. Transparent. Loves Jesus and delightfully shares Him with others. And looks pretty rad in shades.

Annemarie is much the same, one of my dearest friends. Working side-by-side with these gals has been such a joy. They filled a void quickly after two of my other closest friends left. All of these friends are unique and special in their own ways. I would never want to compare them. I'm so thankful for the time I've had together with these girls, and I'm so thankful Annemarie is staying!

You see, tomorrow is Katie's last day at work. On Tuesday, they move to Florida. I'm so happy for them and everything they're entering into. But I'm really sad to put such a great distance between us physically. I'm going to miss her something fierce. Every other coworker I've had recently that I've been this close to and left has stayed nearby. I still have lunches and visits with them.

Florida seems forever far away. Don't get me wrong, we're soooo thankful for her, hope to see her again soon, and obviously are glad she's still with us here on this Earth. It's not like we won't hopefully see her again someday and have a million ways nowadays to keep in touch... so we don't want to be silly, we know it could be worse, but still... sad day.

Annemarie & I are dreading tomorrow.

You see -- Annemarie, Katie, and I are like three peas in a pod. While Annemarie & I may get closer than ever after her departure, there will still be an obvious void with Katie gone.

And we will especially feel it on our shopping excursions.

Recently we had a little farewell lunch for her. It was a lot of fun. She is well loved!

Yes, that's her in the... um... trunk of my car.

Ahem.

Last month all of us couples got together at Katie & her husband Leif's apartment for a final hurrah all together. We had a great time! I'm so thankful we all get along so well!

Oh and Leif... one last thank you for letting us often invade your apartment and time alone with Katie over lunches. Thank you for graciously not caring and being so laidback about it all. You helped us feel right at home. You guys both make everyone around you feel at ease and comfortable, which is just so great! You guys are such a delight, love the Lord so much, and are so much fun. Thank you for everything!!

Since you had me take your 6 month anniversary pictures... I think it's only fair you come back in a week and have me take your 1 year. 

Just sayin'.

We pray you guys will have a wonderful time honoring and serving the Lord in Florida where He has called you to!!

Seriously you guys are going to be missed LIKE CRAHHHHZY, but we wish you the very best on your next adventure! Muah!