We’ve known each other since the first grade and became close friends in junior high.  To this day, “Shell Shell” (that’s what I call her, and yes, that’s how I spell it) and I remain close.  We saw each other through our formative years and into adulthood.  She was there when Donovon and I first started dating, and she was my bridesmaid in our wedding.  She’s seen Alexa grow into a young woman, and she is Ava’s godmother.  To say that she’s very important to me would be an understatement.

We may not spend much time together, but we have a very special bond that has proven unbreakable.  Having such a rich history together, I consider Shell Shell my sister.  And I know, at the core of my soul, that she and I will continue to be there for each no matter what.

Michelle came to the hospital shortly after my father’s stroke and spent hours with me, easing the strain and comforting me.  I needed her there.  I knew that I would feel better when she got there.  As the stress and exhaustion began to take over, Michelle’s presence alone gave me so much strength.

It was a little over ten years ago that I went to the hospital when Michelle’s father fell ill.  He, too, passed away.  My heart hurt for her and her whole family.  They are so very close.  I lived with them for a short time while going to UT.  I’m so thankful for those memories, and to have lived in that house so filled with love.

When Michelle arrived at the visitation service for my father, I walked up to her and fell into her arms sobbing.  That’s who she is – my best friend of almost thirty years who will hold me up when I need her most.  I pray that she knows I will do the same for her.

I’m so incredibly grateful for you, Michelle, and I love you so much.

Ed was Donovon’s best friend when Donovon and I first started dating. They shared many so good times together. And when we got married, Ed was Donovon’s best man. There wasn’t a better choice. Ed made Donovon a better man. He made him a better friend. And later, he made me a better person.

Ed had this way of making it so that everyone around him enjoyed life. His favorite saying was “Party on!” He always wanted to make sure that we all had a good time. I can sometimes be wound a little tight. So Ed’s insistance of “partying on” allowed me to loosen up and enjoy my youth. Donovon and me partying with Ed, is a time in my life that I treasure and look back on with a huge smile.

Ed passed away eleven years ago. It was a very tragic loss that hit Donovon and me very hard. Last night, those of us who were friends with Ed got together and celebrated his life. We do this every year. We all meet at one of his favorite bars, drink and eat, and catch up and share memories of our time with Ed. There is always a lot of laughter and very funny and fond memories. I know that every time we come together to celebrate the man who loved to party with his friends, he is there with us raising a shot of Absolut and cheering, “Party on!!”

I’m so grateful that Ed was a part of my life. I still miss him, but I take comfort in knowing that his soul lives on in Donovon and me and all who knew and loved him.

“Party on, Ed!” I love you, man.