The Lord has blessed me with some incredible friendships in my 38 years of life. I make friends easily and have many but there is only a small handful that I count as my close friends. The friendships that I share with these girls are as individually unique as they are. One thing is sure, I can count on my 'handful' for any obstacle I may face and vise versa. I can truly say, I love these girls and my life would not be complete without them.
In September 1992 we moved to Missouri approximately 850 miles one way from my best friend, Robin in western Nebraska. I was devastated knowing she wouldn't be within reach at any given moment. We're two peas in a pod, she's my sweetheart. I didn't think I could possibly live with her being such a severe distance from me. So, I would write her letters, so many letters in fact, they were too numerous to count. It was routine to make my daily journey with baby Austin, to the teeny tiny Niangua Post Office to mail these envelopes packed with emotionally charged material. I didn't think I would ever make another friend again, although I prayed for one. Just one.
Little did I know that the Lord would so graciously place Shelly, the Niangua Post Master directly in my path. He hand picked her and I didn't realize all of those prayers and tears to send me a friend, one to confide in, to laugh with, to understand my loneliness had been there each and every time I mailed a letter back home. She greeted me with her beautiful, welcoming smile. I would find myself mailing letters to Robin and leaving the post office later each time as Shelly and I would get caught up in great conversation. Sharing life experiences, hopes, dreams and developing a precious friendship.
We've also shared some very personal, heartbreaking experiences together. Eventually helped the other heal their shattered heart, not realizing how strong the friendship would become. I found myself making trips to the Post Office over the next four years to just visit. No particular reason, just to say 'hi' and be near her. Shelly always had a way of making me feel like I was the most important person who had ever walked through the door, always offering a kind word, a warm embrace and a heart full of Christian love.
Shelly later transferred from the Niangua Post Office and we kept in close contact. That is until I moved to Conway and she moved to Springfield a little over five years ago. We lost contact with one another. I missed her. Then a few weeks ago, I was in Marshfield and ran into the Niangua Post Master. She made mention that a friend of mine asked about me. I immediately knew it was Shelly!! I found her on myspace and we set up a 'date'. I was so excited, I about couldn't wait. Like a little kid on Christmas morning!!! Well, Shelly and I had our 'date' last week. After five very long years of separation. We just hugged and hugged, we talked forever and it was as if we never missed a beat in the last five years....it was incredible!
I have a handful of close friends, Shelly is one of them. I love her dearly. God has brought us back together and for that I am genuinely grateful and extremely BLESSED...
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