Friendship Hall of Fame: Billie

I met Billie when I was in 4th grade. I don't remember when we actually became friends, but it was probably while we were going to the same church when I was in 5th grade. At the time she was significantly taller than me- that's what I remember most! When I was about to turn 12, Billie had her 13th birthday and we were allowed an amazing treat: lunch out, just the two of us! I will never forget feeling both impossibly grown up and uncomfortably young as we sat in the middle of the Dobre Deli and giggled. It was the first time I wore makeup in public.


In our teen years we dated guys who were friends, so that meant we got to hang out a lot as friends and as couples. We went to Jesus Northwest together, went with Billie's mom to a forest retreat where we read all about the evils of secular music and daydreamed aloud about our futures. We planned to be roommates after we graduated from high school, and have a double wedding when we met our respective Mr Rights.

Alas, I married first and life took me to Portland, then into the military system. Billie married 2 years after I did and went on to have 2 beautiful children. Unfortunately, we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like, but when we do it's just like old times and we laugh like little girls!

I miss Billie, and I love her. She's one of those lifelong friends that we all hope to have when we're little girls. She's more of a sister than a friend. She never fails to encourage me and to allow me to encourage her. She's very thoughtful, and kind, and understanding. And I have fun daring her to do things that she'd never think of on her own- like get a nose ring! LOL! I'm afraid I might not always be a good influence on her! LOL! ;) She has a true heart to follow God and to be an encouragement and a light to others.

Billie blogs when she get the chance at Honeysuckle Thoughts and Daily Gratefulness and The Prayer Journal.

I love you, Billie!