I can’t tell you how many friends I have had in my lifetime. A lot. But not one for a real long time. I went to 3 high schools and 2 colleges, so the old school friends never really happened for me. I have finally set foot in one location for nearly 10 years and I still can say that I only have 1 person that I think “gets me”. I am not a perfect friend, I know this and I am sure I have let many friends and aquaintances down in these many years. Raising 3 children, helping run Jamie’s business, and now my own businesses has not allowed me anytime to commit to a friendship, which means they tend to just fizzle away to aquaintance status. Again, I know I am a good bit to blame for this, but some things are just out of my hands and it saddens me.
About 5 years (give or take…it has been a blur) I met the one person that I think kinda “gets me” (besides my husband). Our relationship started on a business front, she had a store, and I made boutique handbags. But in time (about 3 years ago) when she was prego with her first little one we really started to click and chat it up. From that point on we have been really good friends. We have seen each other in and out of businesses, relationship woes, pregnancies, and anything else you can throw at two young moms that were running their own small businesses. There were times that we grew distant, and didn’t chat for a while due to travel (she travels a lot) or just being so busy that a nights sleep consists of no more than a nap (me). But it never failed that we would check in with each other, and pick up where we left off. Never judging, never blaming, just understanding and eager to find out what is new in each others world. We understand that our lives are crazy, they are not normal and we do ten times more than someone you would consider busy. Understanding that time is valuable and when the other was ready we would be there waiting.
I have probably been the most to blame for our spaces in time and I am eternally grateful that she has never given up on me. No matter how long I take to get her pictures to her, no matter how many times I forget to schedule her girls session into my calendar, she patiently waits, and never seems to get frustrated with me. I can vent, ramble and practically spit a frustrated fire at her and she will never judge me. Just let me get it off my chest, feed me any advice I would need, and continue on. She allows me to be completely scattered brained and never looks at me cross like I am crazy. She has always been proud and congratulated me on my growth and steps in life (as I have her). She has been my guinea pig since the beginning and will probably continue to do so and I owe a good bit of my photography trial and error lessons to her.
Jen my dear…thank you! Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for not judging me and my not so stellar friendship ways. Thank you for understanding me and my world.
I spent a very hot hour with Jen and her 3 girls this past Monday (my kids in tow too) and tried to get some images of her girls. It was hotter than hot on Monday evening. All the children’s hair was literally WET with sweat. I did get some great images…but I know when everyone is cooler, and happier, we can get better. So there will be a redo (and more of Jen herself)
