Fab Friend Friday: The Beginning

I've come to realize over the years that I truly have a lot of fabulous friends in my life. I'm pretty certain they know they are special to me, but just in case they don't realize how much they mean to me, I've decided to dedicate every Friday for the remainder of the summer, to one of my fabulous friends.

This being my very first post, it only make sense that I dedicate this Friday to my very first friend.

I remember walking into Sunday school that morning a little apprehensive- A new church, new dress, and new people. A woman took my name and visitor information down. "What's your name?" she asked. "Mary Kim," I stated shyly and quietly almost mumbling as I stared at all the kids playing like monkeys in a zoo. "Monica?" she asked? "Mary Kim," I said quietly again. "Attention everyone, this is Monica," she announced to the Sunday school class. In order to avoid more embarrassment, I quietly accepted the name Monica without argument and waited while every 5 year old stared at the giant bow in my jet black hair and squinty eyes.
Disaster is what I would have been thinking if I would have known that word at five years old. Instead it came out as fear. Just at that moment a blond-haired girl came to me and introduced herself as Erin and informed me that I could join her and her friends over at the table with the play dough. My fear turned to acceptance and I hoped I'd made a new friend. From that point on we were inseparable.
Living in different towns, Erin and I only saw each other twice a week: Sundays and Wednesdays at First Baptist Church Vandalia. Sundays were spent in Sunday school and passing notes and writing on each other's hands during service. Nearly every Sunday we would go to either her house or mine. Sundays were fun.

That was the start of our 20 year friendship we've maintained. We remained friends throughout high school and even roomed together in college. Some of the best times we've had together include:

* making music videos in her basement
* riding bikes around Pana on Sunday afternoons
* Myrtle Beach 2004
* Watching episodes of Lost and Lifetime movies in our Cougar Village apt. on Saturday afternoons
* line dancing at Wild Country

The day after my dad died Erin and her mom came to visit us at the house. We had what felt like millions of visitors that day. People brought food, cards, and offered words of comfort, but more than all those gestures, the best gift was what Erin brought to me. After a crazy and hectic night, Erin showed up to my house with a VHS tape of dance videos we made in elementary school. What seemed at that moment, slightly inappropriate, later had me crying because I was laughing so hard at what idiots we were. She brought me the greatest gift anyone could. She brought me authentic, holding your stomach, almost-pee-your-pants, laughter, and for that I am forever grateful.

In the 20 years I've known her, this is what I've learned about Erin.
It's hard not to like Erin. To be completely honest, she's one of those people you'd love to hate but can't because she's so dang sweet. I've watched Erin grow spiritually over the past few years and am both encouraged and excited by it. Erin has never met a stranger. I'm amused by her random medical ailments. I love that she is super trendy and has a different hair cut every time I see her. She has a phenomenal voice and is never afraid to praise her creator. When she laughs, she laughs with all her heart. She is confident. She is sometimes...I mean always a crazy driver. She is driven and passionate. Most importantly- Erin Recycles...ALL her water bottles. Haha.
This week I'm thankful for my fabulous friend Erin because without her my life would be bland.