Shannon

You know how sometimes you have friends and you sort of grow apart from them depending where you are in your life?  I've had lots of those.  But I've had one friend ALL MY LIFE, with whom I have never grown apart.  We've had our share of conflict, sure, but we've never not been friends.

She's the first one I've turned to for so many years, for comfort, for support, for a kick in the ass.  And she's always delivered. 

For the past 20 years, she's been my very best friend.  Even when I got married, and when I started having kids, she was still interested in me.  For the past ten years, we've talked on the phone two - three times per week for an hour or more at a time.  No one else has gotten this amount of my time and my life.  And I'm so grateful. 

When we've had conflict, we've resolved it.
When I've hurt her, she's forgiven me.
When I've vented, she's comisserated.
When I've been sad, she has comforted.
When I've had joy, she's shared it.

And for all of that time, we've been waiting for this day. 

It couldn't have happened sooner, because Nate is The One. 
And I knew she'd find him, because everyone deserves this. 
And God is good, and it's worth waiting for. 

All the clichés are annoying, but they're true.

So...on the eve of her wedding, I send her my love.
And my wishes for a happy life with her beloved.

And so, once again, I send her off with this Irish blessing.

May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings,
And may you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward.

I love you, Shan.  Forever.