A friend

We all have friends.  Many different types of friends.  Friends in different circles of our lives.  Friends that we simply smile and touch in with, and friends that we can pour our deepest thoughts and fears out with.  Friends come and go.  Some start out as friends, but then you learn that they were just friends for a season. I recently had a friend that I thought would be a real friend.  We shared some great times.  Then everything came to an end.  I was confused, and felt betrayed from things that I had trusted to our friendship.

This started me to reevaluate relationships I have in my life.  It helped me to see those in my life that are true.  The friends that truly matter - and whose friendships are unconditional.  The friends who know what is important in life.  Who understand mental health days.  That no matter how mad you are at your husband - you love him like crazy!  Who can swap stories about bad parenting.  Who's imperfections are exactly what makes them perfect!

Though friendships that I have invested in have come to a close, I can smile and appreciate those that I know will never close, those that are full of heart when it really matters.

Today though, I lost one of those rare and amazing friends.  Today my heart breaks for the twin brother and sister that will wake up without a mother.  For the husband who had such a deep love for his wife that now finds himself a single dad.  Today the world lost an amazing woman who had an infectious optimism, that made her someone you wanted to be around.  Today my friend Liz died unexectedly from a pulmonary embolism.  Liz knew what it meant to live.  She did everything 100% and was the most genuine person I knew.  She loved with her whole heart.

Every memory I have of Liz, involves a smile.  Even times when tears were shed, they always turned to smiles.  From the simple times of drinking coffee after watching our girls do the "ho down throw down" in the school parking lot, to the long meetings planning events for the base.  We solved all of the Air Force's problems while drinking coffee at Khul Beans and became expert wine samplers at the Bazaar.  Lunches at Isola Bella and the most memorable Dinning In to wrap up great moments in Germany.

Everyone should be so lucky to have a "Liz" in their lives.  I know my life, and those who knew her have been blessed beyond what can be put into words.

My fellow Dudeldorfer.
Who always had a smile, a hug, or a story.
You have shown us how to love, how to care, how to laugh, and how to be the truest definition of a friend.
You have touched the lives of many - leaving memories that will last forever.
You have loved our children and shown us what it means to be an amazing mom.
May our lives be remembered as fondly as yours will.

I will miss you my friend.
Thank you for Loving!