One of my two best friends has inspired me so I decided I would write a little bit of what I am feeling at this time in my life.
A little over two years ago I said goodbye to my best friend, Logan who put his life on hold and went and did the most amazing thing, he served the Lord for two years! As hard as it was for me to say goodbye to him I had my other best friend, Shelby to turn to. It was amazing how close we grew to each other, if I thought we were good friends before I was wrong. She helped me in so many areas, she taught me so many things, and she was ALWAYS there when I needed someone. I couldn't have gotten through the last two years without her!
Logan came home to two excited best friends but deep down I knew the next 3 weeks were going to be tough. Shelby had made the decision to put her life on hold and do the most amazing thing, she chose to go and serve the Lord for eighteen months! I could see the end in site and I hated anytime anyone brought it up but I would do my best to continue the role of being the "heartless" one in my family or the "tough" one in Shelby's eyes. It wasn't until Monday Dec 15 2008 that I let it catch up to me. Spending one last day together as "The Three Stooges" was difficult all around. None of us could put off much longer! As much as I wanted time to pause I felt it speed up. At last the moment came for those last smart remarks, the teasing, the tickling in some cases, the hugs, the I Love Yous, it was time for Farewell.
As hard as it was, like before I have a best friend to turn too. I know that it is our time to grow closer to one another and to be the ones sending Shelby funny, random letters and pictures. Our time to be the slackers in writing enough letters and keeping her in the loop. While we will strive to do our best I don't believe we can make promises in fear of breaking them but we can do our best!
I know she won't get to read this but a note to Sister Shelby Nicole Bradley:
Shelby,
We have been through so much and I don't know what I would have done without you. Now as I let you go know this: You are truly the most amazing person. You are a wonderful example to me. I look forward to hearing your wonderful stories and the memories you are going to make. You will do amazing things in the next 18 months. You will touch so many lives out there as you will to the lives back here. Know that I love you so very much and I am so happy for you! You will be missed but in comparison to what you are doing, will it matter that much?! Good luck with everything! I will do my best with what you asked of me for each month you serve! I love you and always remember, "Its not just a visitors center!"
