Taking back your life is hard. Friends help.

Surviving is one thing. Thriving afterwards is a whole different ball game and requires a particular brand of love and support. This post is for my friends who are helping me learn how to thrive again. 

I have needed you and you have been there.

Thanks, friends.

Dear Coach K,

Whether you’re helping me prepare for a presentation (covering EVERY scenario), yelling at me to “anguish in the corner!” as I dance, or encouraging me to “really put your soul into it!!” when I sing, you’ve really been there for me this past year. Coaching me along as I figure out how to take back my life. Amidst the hilarity you have been an example of patient care-giving and generous self-esteem building. I love your sincerity, your compliments, our arguments, your surprise gifts, your questions, your insights, and your love of hard things. Particularly I love our many soul-baring conversations about anything and everything and the gospel the most.

Thank you for reintroducing me to the goofy version of myself while also managing to convince me that I am totally legit all at the same time.Who couldn't do hard things with a Karina in their corner?  Your deliberate friendship and service have been instrumental in helping me to move forward and catch back up (almost there) to real life. "I'm no expert" but it's clear that...

Strong beats the heart of Karina,

Sam

Dear McChelsea,

Your invitation a year and a half ago to become roommates was the tender mercy I never dreamt of expecting as I pondered the difficult transitions coming in my life. I can't imagine a better friend to help me through this particular leg of my journey. As I’ve slowly emerged from my room you’ve inspired me to wear red lipstick and big hair, live abundantly, and matched my insatiable desire for good conversations idea for idea. Having someone to share my excitement and projects and passions has helped me to come alive again.  I will never tire of our conversations, your popcorn and smoothies, and seeing my cool factor rise several points in the eyes of those who learn I am your roommate.

Thank you for being such a safe place for me to think out loud, try new things, be vulnerable, repeat myself and my mistakes (again and again), talk about ideas, learn, grow, fail, and try again. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your steady example of keeping it real. Your encouragement, understanding, and compassion have put me back on my feet and back on track more times than I can count.

 Thank you for your eyes that see, ears that hear, and heart that feels.

Sam

Hi-De-Ho Neighbor

Dear Fred,

We go way back. Further back than I can recall. You are technically my oldest friend (in every sense). One of my most vivid childhood memories is of you flexing your muscles. You had to have been well into your sixties at the time but I recall being quite impressed. You always seemed larger than life. So tall I had to step back and strain to look up at you. But almost silent. You never talked as much as Mary Ann and despite your smiling, Jake and I were always a little more subdued when you were around. Still, you were the best of neighbors and indistinguishable from a Grandpa. 

When I left on my mission you looked so pale and thin, I was terrified you wouldn't be here when I got back. But you were and we have had years of your celebrating my visits only to bemoan my still single state. When I got sick everyone told me that you were worried about me and that I needed to call you. But I kept putting it off and putting it off. Finally one day a mutual neighbor of ours gave me a talking to and I rang you up. You answered and said, "Oh, Samantha! Is that you?!" quickly followed by, "Oh garsh, I think I'm going to cry." And just like that we were both bawling. You assured me you had worn out your knees praying for me and I felt so sharply humbled by the thought of your creaky joints and farmer's faith. Of all the prayers offered on my behalf in those years, I think yours were the ones I felt most keenly. 

Thank you for letting me pester you as a girl. And for pestering me when I became an adult. Thank you for always being overjoyed to see me, your heartfelt prayers, and simple advice, big hugs, and gruff tenderness. Thank you for being my Grandpa. 

I love you,

Sam