For those of you who paid any attention to my academy days, you know that Felicia was not only my roommate during those first years but also my very best friend who helped me get through them. When I think of Felicia, I smile. She's one of a kind and I cherish her role in my life. But these days, 21 years (good grief, that just doesn't seem possible) after we first met, life's busy. We don't have time in our daily lives to keep in touch like we should or we'd like. I was so surprised and happy when Felicia got in touch with me to ask if they could stop by for a visit in July. Of course, of course!! We had planned on leaving for vacation about that same time, but there was no way I was going to miss a chance to see her after so much time had passed since our last visit. We had it all planned out and let's just say that the best laid plans don't always work out as intended. We had a wonderful visit despite my succumbing to food poisoning the morning they were to arrive. Felicia wisely made reservations at a local hotel, and we were all so disappointed that we weren't able to have the giant slumber party we had planned. But, what can you do but make the best out of it?! We were still able to spend two great days together despite my less than optimum health. How wonderful it was too see all of our children (FIVE of them!!) playing together and interacting. I never in a million years could have imagined Felicia and I getting together twenty years later comparing notes about the best brand of baby wipes (which, ironically, we both agree is Costco's Kirkland brand for you those of you who need to know). That one simple conversation is an example of the foundation of our friendship-- the wonderful talks we had about anything and everything during a time when our lives were changing so rapidly. And I guess, now too, they are changing just as rapidly. Felicia and Todd, thank you so much for going out of your way to visit us. We wish you all the best as you get settled in your new life in Virginia. We miss you!!!
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| Felicia's three and one of mine. |
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| Here are all of our kids together. They are 2 (2 of them!), 5, 8, and 11. |
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| This is the photo I was planning on posting as the best of all of us together...... |
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| .....but I couldn't leave out this one of the girls holding hands!! |
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| The Raybon family. |
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| Felicia's little boy is only one month older than Emalie. |
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| I think Felicia's kids had a good time burning off some energy between days in the car! |
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| They're just too cute together. |
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| All the kids played so well together. |
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| Silly kids. |
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| This picture of the girls reveals the boys (a 9-year age difference!) wrestling in the background! This is the first time Emalie used the word "friends". Yes, Emalie, I totally agree. |
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| The start of our dinner on the deck.....until it started raining and we had to continue inside. |
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| Oh, so many captions I could add to this photo. I'll leave it blank and let you come up with your own! |
I have to admit that I had tears in my eyes as they drove away that night. It's not every day you meet friends like that. It's not every day you get to see the ones who are. Love you guys!
