Friends

I honestly don't know how to write this post. I know I want to say something and I know how I want it to sound- but I don't know how to start it. So, maybe I will just get into it.

I know that when you go through something serious, "friends" come out of the wood work to say things they have always wanted to say. I know that at some point they thought- "I should have told her _____". I mean, even Brett told me that when I was going through my surgery, he thought of a million things that he still wanted to tell me. And once we knew I would be okay, it all left him. Ever now and again, he remembers something and comes to tell me.

But I do have to say that lately, my friends- old and new have told me things that they have always wanted to tell me. People that I knew as a teenager, to people I have met through work, or having the kids. Knowing these things now, well they make me feel better. I have my family- and I know they all care, support and are behind me in anything I do, need to do or want to do. But to hear things from friends, some of which (no offense) I didn't even think I was that close too, or that I really mattered to them- well it makes me feel like a better person, and for some reason, these remarks from my friends are coming on days that I feel I just want to lay down and cry.

I have heard many things from many people- but there are four that stick out to me so much right now- and all though all of you have told me something inspirational, I have these 4 in my head right now, and figured I needed to write this down. I need everyone to know how important it is for me to hear these comments from all of you!

About a month ago, and old high school friend contacted me through facebook. When I joined facebook- I have to be honest. It was to keep up with family that we don't see often, so I could post pictures etc about what we (as a family) were doing. But with everything that happened, I have opened up my facebook, and let in some old friends. Ones that meant a lot to me growing up. Well, this one friend sent me a message, and it made my day. He told me how much I meant to him, and what a strong person he thought I was, and am. He went on telling me how he always admired that I stuck to what I wanted, and didn't give in to things because everyone else was doing them. It made me feel good to know that- and it made me feel good to know that I have always been like that, and still am!

Then about a week or two ago, another friend contacted me through facebook. Okay- not another friend, my best friend from junior high and high school. We were friends after high school too- but we were in different places at that time, and honestly I can't remember why- but we stopped being friends. Well, turns out both of us have been through many things since the last time we talked. But talking to her- even through messages, was so nice. It was really like we just picked up where we left off, we could tell each other anything. It just made me feel good, like even after so many years, and a falling out- we are still so close, and she still cares!

On the weekend, at Danika's birthday party I was talking with one of the moms of one of my dayhome kids. Okay- that sounds bad, they were friends, and neighbours- but we have all been so busy, that we haven't seen each other. The last time I saw her, well was the morning I got sick, when she dropped her daughter off at my house. In talking to her, she asked if she could have the address to my blog- that she was talking to another one of the moms from the dayhome- who told her that it was very inspirational. This other mom- well she is not just another mom from the dayhome. She is the first mom I had at the dayhome. Her son was the first child signed up for my dayhome. And even when she was on maternity leave with her youngest, he still came to my house. Then, I had both the kids. This is not just the "first family to sign up" they are part of our family- and we have always felt that way. She is someone you can always talk to- no matter what. I have always looked up to her, and what she does- so to hear from this other mom/friend that she thought my blog was inspirational, well it was amazing. Yes we were at Danika's birthday- and I was enjoying myself- but that made my day that much better. To know that someone I look up too, thought something I did/do was inspirational- it gave me that little push that I needed- for what- I don't know yet. But to know that I am inspiring to people, it is a little push!

And then, my tear jerker moment. When I was pregnant with Danika, Brett and I took a childbirth class. Well we met Rebecca and Sean. We sat next to each other, talked, compared notes etc. Once Brett and I found out Danika would be a c-section- well we didn't go back to the child birth class. It was so close to time to have her, I was so tired- it was after work, on a weeknight, and was all the way up at the hospital- so we decided not to go. Thankfully, and to my surprise- Rebecca was also on Babycenter. A message board I have been a part of since I found out I was pregnant. I have met many wonderful women on that site- and they all mean so much to me, even though I have only met 2 in person. One of them being Rebecca. She recognized me on there, and sent me a message. We keep in contact with each other, but are both very busy, so we have only really gotten together a few times since the girls were born. She had her little girl a couple weeks after Danika was born- then she had her second just a couple weeks before Bryce was born. So she is busy too. She has always been an inspiration to me as well. All though we haven't gotten together many times, when I got sick, she was willing to watch the kids if we had appointments, she told us to ask if we needed anything. She also called to make sure she was on the stem cell donor list- just in case! Well, her and her family were able to come to Danika's party this year. So we got in a pretty good visit. It was nice to sit down and talk to her, and the girls- well they got along like they see each other every day! It was nice to see.

Well-not only did we have a great visit. But she made it a point to go onto the message board we are a part of and write a little something about me, and how proud she is to know me. I saw this message at the end of a long day with the kids- and a long weekend with the birthday party etc. I was feeling kind of blah. After I read that, with her amazing words- well, I knew, not only do I have the most amazing friends- even though we don't see each other much- these people are like family to me. They all mean so much.

I want to thank all of you for all the kind words you have said- there has been many more- but these ones stick out right now. And I do mean it- even though we don't see each other much- you are all more than just friends- you are like family to me, and I am the luckiest person in the world to have all of you!

Again- honestly, before this happened to me, Brett and I kind of stuck to ourselves. Not that we intentionally blew people off- but we learned that having friends like this is so important. And we want to do everything we can to spend more time with our friends and family! Because you are all loved by us, and mean so much to us!

I have said it before, and will say it again- our door is always open for visitors. We are here 24/7 (well most of the time- so call or email us first)- but we love visitors. I can't drive right now, and Brett tries to work during the day- but anyone is more than welcome to come by our place and visit with me (and Brett) and see the kids. I promise to re-pay the visit when I can drive! The kids love visitors to show off for, and would love to look at other faces- other than mine and Bretts sometimes!

We love you all, friends and family alike. We thank you so much for everything you did/do for us- when I was sick, before I got sick, and now that I am recovering.