Just Down the Street

I stood in her driveway as the moving van pulled out, and I watched it barrel down the road. I was 12 and my best friend was moving from across the street to Atlanta, GA. I was devastated. Although Atlanta was only four hours away, she might as well have moved across the ocean. She had been my partner in crime. We built forts, caught fireflies, and talked about boys. Steph was my childhood and now she was gone.

It's funny how life works out. Ten years after Stephanie's big move to Atlanta, I got married and moved to Atlanta as well. I was ecstatic because I would only be twenty minutes down the street from my closest childhood friend. Steph and I were enjoying rekindling a friendship that for so long had been long distance. She was my only friend when I first moved to Atlanta and she kept me sane.

But again, it's funny how life works. A year went by and Steph told me that she would be moving to Austria for a new adventure and didn't know when or if she would be back. Cue the flashback to me standing alone in her driveway watching the moving van pull out. Sad times. Trust me. Somehow, we kept in touch, despite the miles.

I think that our friendship is just meant to be because this past December, Stephanie told me she was moving back to Atlanta. The dynamic duo would be back together yet again! Although the distance has been against us, Steph and I have been through a lot in our twenty years of friendship. We were in each others' weddings, supported each other through heartache, and have seen each other through the best and worst of times. When I am serious, Steph is goofy and lighthearted. When I overreact, she brings me back down to earth (or supports my reaction!). Steph, I am so thankful for our friendship and I am so happy that you are again, just down the street.