Friday, September 16, 2011

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.

9 comments:

Krizzie said...

Congrats To Shannon!! share a current pic when you can!

Leanne said...

I will, Kriz! In a couple days! XO

Julie L. said...

Awe.... I'm thinking of you both on this eve of her big day.

ethiopifinn said...

what a beautiful happy congratulations. and friend. and friendship.

i've been thinking of her all day...the busy day before the rest of her life.

congratulations, shannon!

Elizabeth Halt said...

Congratulations, Shannon! May every day of the rest of your life be full of love.

Anonymous said...

Love this- I can totally relate. My best friend is getting married Oct 22nd and we have prayed for her to find "the one" too.... and he is! The planning and events for her are even more fun for all of us. Hope you enjoyed celebrating with her today-
Laura Niemela

MindiJo said...

Oh, this is such a beautiful and sweet post!

I wish Shannon and Nate a lifetime of happiness. *happy sigh*

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post! A friendship like the one you two have is priceless... a rare gem in the ever-revolving friendship door! Some come and go, but once in a blue moon, we are blessed with one that lasts a lifetime and grows deeper with eaching passing year - no matter what comes our way. May God pour continued blessings on your friendship, and many more on Shannon and Nate's marriage!!

cyndi :)

Anonymous said...

I just saw this now! Love you so much leanne and couldn't ask for a better friend..thanks for all your support and love!! best friend a gal could ever have