Putting it all into perspective...

Humbling..

Last week I took a surprise trip to Bloomington Indiana. It is here that one of my dearest friends is undergoing radiation treatment for a disease she has been battling since we were 18 years old, Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

The trip was a four hour ride and surprisingly that morning was sunny and mild. It was the perfect day, and I could not wait to see her! The entire ride, flashbacks of our younger years became vividly clear once again.

The first memory I have of Leedy and I, is probably the most special..The day she shared with me that she was expecting a child. We were scared, excited and nervous. I remember the day her parents found out of the pregnancy. One week later she delivered a beautiful baby girl, Courtney...My goodness, was Courtney amazing...

A week after Courtney's birth Pat Sullivan (another childhood friend) and I watched Courtney while Leedy went to the dentist. It is this day that changed this courageous mother and daughters life forever..the day the dentist found a "spot" in her mouth...This was the begining of Leedy's lifelong battle.

All of the nights we would get ready in the bathroom of her parents home, she and Stacy would apply make up on me and help me look "cute", as my parents did not allow me to wear make up as of yet. Her family became a second family for me, and I loved each of them dearly...

I can remember the days and nights she and Stacy would try and pick me up in the "yellow boat", lol! The yellow boat was a yellow station wagon Stacy's parents bought her. I was not allowed in cars yet and it took much convincing for my parents to allow me to ride with them. We would go to the woods, or the cemetary for "parties"..oh my, when my mother reads this post, I am in trouble, haha!

My first heartbreak was also with Leedy, the loss of my first child, the end of an engagement..she was there with me holding my hand..

The day I met my birth father, Leedy, Uncle Jim and myself all sat and talked while we watched the O.J. Simpson chase on television..Once again, she held my hand and told me, "I could do this"..and I did..with her by my side...

Leedy is the friend that you can not see or talk to in years, but when we finally get together we can pick up where we left off and laugh!

Leedy was surprised when she saw me!!!We had a wonderful lunch, and even went to John Cougar Melllencamps home!!!Unfortunately he did not answer our calls from his gate, but nonetheless we tried and had a ball!!

Leedy is inspiring, she is amazing and never have I left having lunch with a friend and felt so blessed to have them in my life..

I love you my friend!