Life. A confusing concept, widely unknown, highly unpredictable and often challenging. I remember how simple it use to be, when days use to consist of coloring in the lines, playing with barbie dolls and going on field trips. Then time slowly takes it away and you wake up one day and it’s been replaced by bills, family and relationship problems, and all the other “fun” forks in the road that life throws at you. That’s when friendship comes in. But not just any friendship, a true friendship. One that saves you when life can be unjust and difficult or just plain crappy. One that will always tell you the truth, even when no one else will. One that truly understands you inside and out and will never judge you despite all the stupid things you’ve done.
I’ve known Courtney since the 6th grade – and we were inseperable with our stirrup pants, bad perms, questional haircuts and bright blue eyeshadow – don’t deny it, we were hot. We spent so much time together you’d never see one without the other, and even after spending the entire day at school together the first thing we’d do when we got home was call each other. We never ran out of things to talk about, and we deemed each other as “sisters”. We’d always tell each other “You’re my other half!” and even to this day, that holds true to my heart.
Though we never attended the same school together after middle school, we still remained best friends for many years. But with time and the distance we slowly began to drift apart. The phone calls became less frequent, we both became too busy to visit each other and eventually it became the occasional “hey what’s up? how’s it goin?”. I think we both felt it but didn’t want to admit it because after all these years of being best friends, how can you suddenly not be?
A few months ago, Courtney finally said “Joy I don’t think our friendship is the way it use to be.” I felt an extreme pang of guilt because I knew she was right and I should’ve said something earlier. How stupid to think I could’ve potentially have lost one of my closest and dearest friends ironically because of my fear of losing her. But I guess that’s what best friends do. Step up to the plate and say something, break down the facade and delusions and face reality, and fight for each other because it’s not easy to find a sister, your other half, your ever lasting rock.
So we made a commitment to each other we would work together to strengthen our friendship back to what it use to be but better — because all relationships take work. It had been so long since we both did anything together so we booked a room at Lakeway Resort and Spa in Austin, and enjoyed a beautiful weekend catching up right where we left off.
There’s something special about the friends you grow up with. You know each other’s deepest darkest secrets, you’ve been through hell and back, and after all these years (13 to be exact) there’s invaluable comfort and familiarity that you have with each other. I honestly couldn’t imagine life without her, it’d definitely be a much more scary place that’s for sure. The value of a friendship, a true friendship, is priceless. There’s nothing in the world like it and to be fortunate enough to have it, I’ve learned now to never ever let it slip away again.
Thank you Courtney for always being a wonderful friend, for loving me despite my faults and flaws and for understanding me when no one else could. I am looking forward to a lifetime of friendship and taking the journey through all the trials and tribulations in this so-called life together. I love you best friend, forever and always!
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I’d like to thank Tammy from Lakeway Resorts and Claudia from Big Noise for setting the two of us up in such a wonderful room! It was exactly what we needed: relaxation, good food and a great view. The staff was extremely cordial and I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for a private getaway from the city!
Hi I'm Joy! I love cooking [and eating] - this is where I share my passion with everyone. Here you will find mostly healthy recipes, except for the occasional dessert. My motto has always been “everything in moderation.” Learn more about me
Beautiful post…
What a beautiful post! It is definitely the strongest of friendships that can be honest enough to admit when things need to be worked on. Looks like this was the perfect weekend for that!
Ah – I so understand your post and your point in life. My bestie (Ann) and I have been friends since first grade, have the same birthday and soon will be 45.
In the mid to late 20′s there is so much change going on, and you are figuring out who you really are and what is important. A lot of people and things will slide away. I’m so glad your bestie will be around you for a long time. Make sure to set aside time and money to do things together, and even if you end up a few hundred miles apart, you can still IM while you share happy hour or dinner together.
Not everyone gets such a gift as a friend like that – continue to cherish it as you are.
xo
That’s such a lovely post about friendship—-so touching and heart-warming! Really wonderful how both of you brought your friendship to another new level. Yes, great friends are like diamonds, sometimes like raw diamonds…never to be lost!
Hope you have a fun-filled day, Joy! Hugs, Mary
This is a very beautiful post! There is something about childhood friendship… it’s more innocent and true. I have stayed with my friend since junior high and love having her in my life. I hope you stay BFF’s forever.
Joy, again thanks for sharing such wonderful lifetime story of yours. Wow, they actually set you up in this meet up! COOL… Enjoy & have a wonderful day.
Cheers, kristy
Lovely post, love the Texas shaped waffle covered with berries, yummy!
I love this story.. thanks for letting us in
I was an army brat growing up so friendship is something I hold near and dear to my heart because I moved around so much.. I’m glad you got to spend time with your best friend! It’s making me miss mine!
a beautiful story about friendship…i’m full of good emotions,thanks to you!
Lovely post about friendship. I have a best friend for about 22 years now but Im afraid we’re drifting apart because of misunderstanding.. hopefully in time we could make a trip too just like you and your friend did to bring back the “friendship” we used to have.
Thanks for the inspiration Joy!
A wonderful tribute to friendship…spectacular post. It is so important to nurture the relationships with the people who really know you, after all that is the whole you
These kinds of true bonds really do last forever. I have a friend, the oldest and dearest since we were 8yr and 10yr olds…I have never in my life had such friendship shattering arguments with anyone…Yet still here we are, lol. It is funny, but we are complete opposites… Again what a wonderful post 
Great friendships are hard to come by… lovely post!
how right you are! great post.
I was just thinking about one of my friends this morning; we’ve drifted apart and I haven’t heard from her in over a year. You’ve inspired me to get back in touch with her, cos you dont get many friends like that!
Hope you had a wonderful time at the spa
Love the waffles in the shape of Texas! Looks like a beautiful place, we live in Northern Texas in Fort Worth and always wanted to go to Austin, thanks for sharing!
This is such a sweet post! I’m glad the two you made it a priority to reconnect. I definitely have some dear friends I need to do that with
I like when you reflect on things, Joy. That’s a very sweet post. I wish one of my besties would write posts like this about me. Oh, but wait, my friends don’t have blogs. Crap!!
such a sweet post, joy! and what a wonderful way to spend the weekend away to renew your friendship.
Great post Joy! I have a few friends that I have known for over 25 years and you are right, it is great being with them because I can just be myself, and they get it. I love what you said about all relationships taking work- sometime we forget that frienships take work too! So glad you were able to get away with your friend!
Wonderful post, and even friendships take work. I’m so lucky to have wonderful best friends, that despite the physical distance, we’re still close. I still remember you and Courtney in middle school!
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A great post about friendship! I’m glad I have friends who are always there for me.