I never thought I’d have friends who would stick with me for over 27 years, especially the ones I met in preschool. But here we are...still together, still laughing, still talking non-stop in our Messenger group. Life has taken us to different cities and countries, but that group is always active, and honestly, I can laugh so much with them that it feels like we’ve never been apart.
So, why am I writing this today? Because one of my girls just turned 34 last week, and let me tell you...she’s going crazy. Like, crazy crazy. 😊 She’s having an existential crisis, and I’m standing there wondering, “Will I go this nuts too?” I mean, I didn’t want to turn 30 either, but here I am, almost 34, and nothing catastrophic has happened. Right? (Unless we count my questionable relationship with gray hairs, but since I dye my hair, that’s a future-me problem. 😉)
This weekend, we’re planning a big surprise party for her. She doesn’t like celebrating birthdays—never has—but we love her so much that we’re ignoring her wishes anyway. (That’s what friends are for, right?) My task? Find all the old pictures we’ve taken over the years to make a memory book.
As I went through those photos, I couldn’t stop smiling. So many memories flooded back. I remembered our playful days, those silly little fights we had—and how we’d forget what the fight was even about five minutes later. I remembered the notes we used to pass in class, always praying the teacher wouldn’t catch us. The secrets we shared, the places we used to sneak off to, and the endless adventures we had. Truly unforgettable.
And here’s the thing: they’re still by my side. Through thick and thin, through the highs and lows, my girls have always been there. I’m forever grateful for that.
The last time I wrote about us was when Lu became a doctor, and we threw her a huge celebration. This time, it’s about all of us, our group, our bond, our stories. I’d love to share some of those childhood-to-now pictures with you because they capture everything...the laughter, the mischief, the love.
Friendship is something truly precious. So many connections fade over time, but not ours. Even better? Our partners get along too! When we’re all together, we can leave them to debate and do their thing while we catch up. Sure, they give us ugly looks because we’re so loud they can’t hear themselves think, but honestly… not our problem. 😊
To my girls—thank you for being you. Thank you for sticking with me through it all. You are my people, my chosen family, and my forever crew.
And to everyone reading this, if you have friends who make your life brighter, hold onto them tight. They’re the ones who make this wild ride called life worth it.
My girls, my 4 girls. Always and forever. ❤️
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." – Elbert Hubbard
With love, @tinabrezpike ❤️