Great, great, great book. A memoir of sorts, told my a woman you feel is your friend from the first chapter on. The way she tells stories, her quirky, sweet, fun attitude toward life, and the truth she proclaims, all make for a wonderful read.

“There are probably only a handful of times in our lives when someone who will change us forever walks in—when we find someone we can love with our whole hearts, who will challenge us and shape us and make us feel like the world is safer and brighter just because they are in it. A person who loves us for exactly who we are, yet teaches us to be better because of who they are and how they live their life.”

I have many good, solid, there in the thick and thin friends… Lauren, Ashton, Meg, Whitney, my sister Kendall. These are friendships not bound by distance or time apart. They are each a continual presence in my life, and I thank God for them everyday.

Then there’s Mary Beth. We found each other at an early age, and our first photo-opp was the picture you see above. It was these grades, 2nd and 3rd, where we created our first secret handshake and declared our friendship for life. You know it’s true love when it begins with white ankle socks. She has encouraged me, loved me, shared in my ridiculousness. We’ve made pinky promises; we’ve endured boys and proms and bad grades. She was with me through the glasses, braces, hormones, college applications, and family happenings. We’ve had seasons of distance, we’ve annoyed each other, but today we’re closer than ever.

Seasons of life have carried us to different cities, as we pursued college degrees and full-time careers. But I believe ours is a connection that will last forever. We’re very different, but I dig it. Her boldness and style are things I hope to emulate.

A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities. William Arthur Ward

All in all, this book is a delightful read. Makes me extra thankful for the wonderful friends I have in my life.