Four Years Apart

It is my hope that each human on this planet has one friend (at least) with whom they can enjoy to the fullest extent. A friend with whom no time apart appears to have passed when you're together. A friend who knows your insides and outs- the goods and the bads. A friend that inspires you to become the best version of yourself that you can be. (A friend that inspires you to wear jewelry, after a long-time aversion to it!)

My dear friend Jessica came to visit me in Flagstaff. She and her Army-soldier husband are being stationed in Germany this summer, and Jess wanted to re-visit her hometowns and west-coast friends. They currently live in Alabama (though she'll be the first to tell you how much she hates 'Bama!). The last time I'd seen Jess was at her Flagstaff bridal shower 4 years ago. I met her then-fiancee, Christian, there, and I cried when I got in my car to drive away. We've been friends since we were both 11 years old and her family moved to Flagstaff in our 6th grade year.

We wandered through the halls of our high school, reminiscing of old teachers, friends, and adventures.
She didn't even laugh at my black eye! I introduced her to Sayde and they were instant friends. We talked at long length about animal rescue organizations, and how thankful we are for the pets we have each rescued. I'm motivated to do a lot more volunteerwork with Paw Placement (Sayde's former group) this summer.
Having lunch at Black Bean Cafe downtown - the burritos there are HUGE!

Walking through downtown Flagstaff, pausing in front of the Monte Vista, a historic hotel & landmark.

We wanted pictures with the snowy San Francisco Peaks. A tourist took this picture for us.

We drove all around Flagstaff, re-visiting our old "haunts" and her old houses. This is the house I knew her in the most, just two blocks from where I grew up. I used to walk past her house in the mornings on my way to school (elementary) and pick her up to walk the rest of the way together. We had so many nights of movies and laughter, popcorn and junk food, in the basement. We sat for hours at her mom's kitchen table and enjoyed her family. She'd come over to my house and bake brownies, cookies, and spend the night. We shared an infatuation with Brad Pitt- when "Legends of the Fall" came out, and both despised Julia Ormond with teenage infatuation.

Jessica and I graduated from Flagstaff High School with the class of 2000. Our 10-year reunion is this summer (yikes!). As Jessica will be in the middle of an cross-continental transfer, she won't be able to attend. We arranged a drinks-and-conversation meeting at a wine bar downtown with two of our high school girlfriends.

I had so much fun during your visit, Jessica. I'd gladly take even more days off from work next time you're able to visit. I promise not to laugh at your high-heeled boots during snowy weather. At least not for very long.... :)

I miss you already, dear friend. Thank you so much for visiting. I love you!