Secrets, babies and best friends (and making time for the important stuff)

Most of my time lately is spent collecting and analyzing thesis data, working, prepping for classes next semester, taking care of my grandfather and getting ready to move.  There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything and be everything.  Things can get overwhelming with work and school and life that we can forget to make time for the people and things that are most important to us.  So sometimes we just have step back and make time for the important stuff.          

I flew into Huntsville, Alabama Wednesday night around midnight.  I haven’t mentioned that I was going to be in Alabama because it was a secret. Secrets are so fun!       

I am in town because my mom is moving and some of my belongings are still in her house.  I need to donate, pack, ship, or sell my old stuff. I need to decide if I want any of the furniture in the house.  There is no reason for her to move something unless she absolutely has to move it.         

 I am also in town so I can see my little brother who just turned 19.  (What the?!)  I wish he lived closer so I could see him more often.   But mostly…   I’m here to surprise my BFF!      

       

Michelle and Chris are expecting their first baby very soon.  They are my oldest, best friends in the world.  I moved around so much as a kid that I am not one of those people who has a friend from kindergarten.  I met Chris and Michelle in high school and our friendship has evolved over time.  Even though we live very separate lives and are moving along very different life paths, I think we have that kind of friendship that will last a lifetime.            

I am so through-the-roof ecstatically happy for them to bring this new life into the world together! 

 There is a baby shower on Saturday.  I missed the first baby shower because I was out of the country for work.  I wanted to see Chris and Michelle this summer before the baby was born, but I was not sure if I could pull off a last-minute trip to Alabama for various reasons (e.g., timing and money).  When I figured out a way to make this trip happen, I thought it would be fun to surprise her!   I told Chris, so we could coordinate getting together before the shower.  So, she had no idea I was coming.  When Michelle found out she had to be on bed rest because of some potential health issues, I was even happier I would be in town to see her for a few days. 

Michelle and Chris at Voodoo Fest - photo credit: Catchy Photography

 Chris and Michelle will be amazing parents because they are wonderful children, grand-children, siblings and friends. They are resilient, kind, funny and so damn smart. Michelle will be an incredibly nurturing caretaker and wise teacher in every stage of their child’s life.  I already know Chris will be one of those cool dads everyone wishes they had growing up, but I also know he will be fair and firm.   If I ever decide to have children, I hope they can know these two people like I know them.  And I mean, let’s just get it out on the table: The kid’s going to be insanely good-looking, too.  I cannot wait to meet their baby.  I also cannot wait for their relationship to grow even stronger with this new addition to their family. 

 Namasté, Chris and Michelle!

~~~~~

“True friendship isn’t about being there when it’s convenient; it’s about being there when it’s not.”