A Tribute to an Amazing Friend

As I reflect on the years since I first met you, I can’t help but think back to the early days when people spoke of you. Long before I truly knew you, all I heard were whispers about how you'd been very sick. They said you left and came back, but at the time, I didn’t grasp the depth of what you’d gone through. I didn’t know what your illness was or how it had affected you, but I did know that you were loved by many.

Then came the day when we spent time together for the first time. That moment marked the beginning of a friendship that has meant more to me than words can express. I got to know you better, and I’m so grateful for that. I’ve come to love the person you are. You’ve always been, and continue to be, the most daring person I know. You don’t care what others think about you, and honestly, I admire that so much. People never spoke ill of you—not that I would’ve tolerated it—but I never heard anything but good things.

I remember how you would show up wearing outfits that left me in awe, bold choices that I could never pull off. You had such confidence, and your style was like nothing I’d ever seen. And your hair! Wow, even today, I can’t imagine being as bold as you with your hair, but I understand now why you do it. You’ve fought battles I wasn’t there for, and though I wasn’t a part of your struggle, I can only sympathize.

Your fight with your illness—something I’ll never fully understand—was one of the hardest things anyone could face. But you did it. You fought with everything you had and came out stronger on the other side. Now, after years in remission, that alone is a miracle. You are a living testament to perseverance. Through it all, your body took a toll, yet you still got up every single day. You showed up for your work, for your family, for your friends, without fail.

There were times you shared your pain with me, moments I’ll never forget. I’m not the best at remembering things, but the words you’ve shared with me will stay with me forever. Thinking about what you’ve been through brings tears to my eyes. My problems are so insignificant compared to the struggles you’ve endured from such a young age. Yet, here you are today, standing strong, thriving.

You are truly one of the most amazing women I know. You’ve grown so much over the years, and the strength you carry—it’s humbling. I’m older than you, but there are times when I feel like I’m standing in your shadow, and that’s because of the deep respect I have for you. I’m drying my tears now as I write this, but please know this: You are a phenomenal woman. What you've gone through would break many people, but not you. You’ve taken your pain, your faith, your hurt, your struggles, and you’ve placed them at the foot of the cross. You trust, you love, and you keep moving forward.

When you set your mind to something, you do it. You commit fully—to your family, your work, your dreams. I look at you and think, I don’t know if I could do half of what you’ve done. You inspire me to be better, and I salute you, my friend, in every role you play: as a wife, mother, sister, friend, leader.

I can’t imagine my life before you came into it. Without you, I tend to go distant, to go quiet—but even in those moments, I always think of you. You are one of the few constants in my life, and I never want to lose touch with you. Even when you scold me, I know it’s out of love, and I take it to heart because I know you want the best for me. The way you love your family—without judgment, with patience and grace—reminds me so much of God’s love for us. You show love, not just say it, and that’s something rare in this world.

I cherish our conversations, whether they’re deep and introspective or just lighthearted banter. I truly wish we had more time for those moments. I hate that circumstances keep us apart, but I’m thankful for the times we do get to share, even if it's just a quick coffee break or a morning out for breakfast.

Maybe one day, we’ll live closer—though I’m not sure you’d want me as your neighbor! But I’d love it if we could spend more time together. You’ve had such a profound impact on my life. When I think about all that you've gone through and where you are now, I’m in awe. You are a living, breathing testament to strength. So many women go through hell and crumble, but not you. You rise, dust yourself off, and keep going. You take the time to be vulnerable when you need it, and then you move forward.

You mean so much to me. Your family, your kids—they are a part of my heart too. You are like a sister to me, and I don’t think life would be the same without you in it. I love you, and I’m beyond thankful that you’re my friend. There’s no other way to say it—I’m truly blessed to know you.

Even if we only see each other once in a while, I’m okay with that. I know that you’re always just a phone call away. And that, my friend, means the world to me.

I love you, and I’m thankful for everything you are—strong, beautiful, and unapologetically you. You make this world a better place just by being in it.