Some 15 years ago or so, while I was at my aunt & uncle's house, I was introduced to a girl named Crystal. That moment doesn't really stand out in my mind but thankfully after being around one another at church, a friendship blossomed between us. Over the past decade +, Crystal and I have been on quite a journey together. There was a period in which we did not speak or spend time with one another for a few years. Thankfully, God restored our friendship and we have grown that much more close--so close that Crystal is not just a friend to me, but just as much a sister to me. We have shared many laughs, tears, heart-to-heart conversations and memories a plenty. I'd like to share some of those things...some of the good times we have had. Both Crystal & I love to sing & have done duets in church with one another. One of my most vivid "music" moments with Crystal came years ago when she & I went for a day trip to Sikeston, MO to eat at Lambert's Cafe. She & I wrote a song about the dead bug on my windshield. Come to think of it, we've written a lot of songs. Together, we are an unstoppable creative songwriting force. One day, our compositions will be heard all over the world...of this I am sure. We are similar in many ways--specifically our choice of clothing. We easily can shop for one another & pick out the perfect outfit. It's always a great thing when I come home with new attire and show Haley & she says, "Well, I don't like it but we know Crystal will." Crystal was the first (& only) friend to travel with us to Alabama for a vacation. We had a blast together. Crystal convinced me to go on my very first mission trip (which was a trip to Colorado) and I was glad to have her beside me as my cheerleader and encourager. A couple years later, we went to the other side of the world together to teach English in Taiwan on a mission trip. We've been stuck together in a traffic jam on the streets of San Francisco while trying to catch the boat to Alcatraz. We've rolled in the snow like little kids. We've helped educate our guy friends on girlie issues. We teamed up to convince one of our friends to allow us to stay in his apartment while he & his new bride were on their honeymoon. Meanwhile, we set their place up for a fun welcome home (hanging tampons from light pulls on lamps, placing fake rats and snakes around the house, saran-wrapping the bed after placing hundreds and hundreds of feathers on it, spelling out a message on their bed with feminine products, changing light bulbs from regular to colored, etc.). We have t.p.-d (for those unfamiliar, that is taking toilet paper and going to someones home or vehicle and covering their property in the toilet paper) many people without ever getting caught. We rode through the swamp in Florida together. We have root, root, rooted the Cardinals on to many victories while sitting in Busch Stadium. There are far too many precious moments to record them all here. I simply want to say that I am so richly blessed by the friendship Crystal & I share. I never have to question if I can call her in a time of need. I look forward to many, many more memories with my best friend. God-willing, she'll one day stand beside me as I commit my heart to someone forever. However, even if that day never comes, I trust that she'll still be there..be my buddy..my Ethel! We can hit those cruise ships & stroll along checking out the old geezers. Haha. Love ya friend!
