Ginger.. my friend.

I got a surprise phone call this week.

From a treasure of a friend. Ginger. We aren't the typical pair .. she and I. You wouldn't see us in the mall and think we are 'friends'. You would think we were mother/daughter.

I met Ginger (and Calvin .. I usually can't say 'Ginger' without saying 'Calvin' right behind it .. you would think that was her last name or something) when I was in high school. We moved into a home on Dewberry Drive right before my ninth grade year. They were our neighbors. Like the coolest neighbors ever. My love for Yorkies developed then .. they had three.

This was in Virginia. They moved there from Texas. Our family was instantly in love .. the accent sealed the deal.

So life moved on .. I graduate. Get married and then become pregnant. My then husband was overseas serving in the military. I was living with his parents at the time. They separate and go through a divorce. Suddenly .. I find myself in a very uncomfortable position. Eight months pregnant and no where to live.

Ginger and Calvin .. back in my life. Took me in. Without hesitation. Instant bonding took place. I was theirs. Truly... they loved me like I was their very own. Ginger doted on me. Took care of me, fed me wonderful homecooked meals, shopped with me, talked for hours with me. To say we became close was an understatement. She became my very best friend. Then I had Hayley. Oh how they loved that baby. They were right there in the hospital when she was born. You would never know that baby wasn't theirs by blood. My parents had moved back to VA shortly before Hayley was born and I eventually moved in with them.

But that love and adoration stayed. As the years have gone by it hasn't faded a bit.

Before she called the other day, we hadn't talked for quite some time. That never matters. We always pick up right where we left off. I just hear her voice and all the planets align. It was good to share life with her again. There really isn't anything I can't talk about with her. And I mean anything. She just gets me. The age difference just doesn't exist between us. Funny, but I never even think about it.

I often think about my life and the people that have influenced it along the way. Some friends come and go and a few select stay in my life. I have to say being married to the military has truly blessed my life in that aspect. Would I have had these experiences and opportunities if I had not chosen this lifestyle? I imagine not.

Ginger stays. She is a piece of what makes me who I am today. I am sure she doesn't realize how much she molded and influenced me. For the better.

Isn't it wonderful to fortify yourself with good, treasured, life long friends?