Friday, March 11, 2011

Day 11- Another Picture of You and Your Friends...(not really though)

Since today I'm supposed to post another picture with my friends, and I still don't have one... though I've been out a few times and keep forgetting my camera... I'm going to tell you about an amazing friend of mine who is in my prayers today...
This is my childhood bestie, Andrea Dobson (now Jackson) with her darling boys in Japan.  They moved there and made it their home when they bought a school, teaching english...(right Dre?)   I don't know all the details, but I know she's there, and I know (thank heavens) that she's OK.  I woke up this morning to the terrible news about an 8.9 earthquake and saw the damage it was causing and immediately my thoughts turned to this person and her beautiful family.  I'm so grateful she is OK.

I remember when we began our friendship...WAY back when we were in third/fourth grade!  I remember walking down the hill and meeting her halfway to either walk back home or go to her house.  They had a swimming pool and we spent so much time laying out next to it! (he he!) And the tree house? I LOVED that place!  I remember there was never a day at her house without popcorn and orange juice, and the summer her mom taught us how to sew...we looked so good in our homemade cumber buns and knit outfits!

My friends have made me who I am.  Andrea, Erin and I were always ready for anything.  We spent many a weekend in St. George, hiking and camping- I loved having friends that were adventurous and spontaneous!  They were always there for me,  and I never felt left out or unloved...

If there was something I could say to my kids about friendship, it would be to NEVER take your friends for granted.  Love them like family, treat them like they'll never go away.  You never know when one of them might move to Japan!  They are the people who help shape you when you decide your parents just can't do it themselves.  Pick good ones that will last forever- give to these relationships as much as you get from them, and help each other through thick and thin.  

I know Andrea and her family are OK, but knowing she's in Japan, and not here makes me feel absolutely powerless.  Don't worry, I've already let her know that it's time to move home!  We'll say our prayers for you guys Dre!  Stay safe!  (and thanks for the pic, stole it off your blog!)
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3 comments :

Joey said...

So glad to hear the Andrea and family are okay. I thought about them when I heard the news this morning. Things can change so fast.

The Jacksons said...

So I stopped by to "relax" as I love to read your blog and "keep in touch" and I was in tears reading your post! I have to say that I think these past 36 hours have been some of the most reflective moments in my life so far. Yes, we are ok and I am thankful for that, but I so grateful for SOOOO many people in my life and these past few hrs. have been filled with many memories-including the same ones you just mentioned! We are ok & safe, but northern Japan is still crazy right now! Thank you so much for your love & concern and thank you even more for your friendship and all the great memories! I wouldn't be the same person without them! I am also planning on making more memories(including popcorn & O.J.) when we visit in Dec./Jan. so put it on your calendar! Love you and I'll keep you updated! ~ Dre :)

Erin said...

i've got some great pictures of our zion's adventure...remember we almost died? i also have a really funny one of me standing on your back from st george...unfortunately they are in storage right now.