My Person

I can sit back and count on one hand my very best friends. Okay, maybe I have a few more than 5 but my tribe is small and I’m totally okay with that. When I think of my friends I think of them as my “best friends”, but what about that one friend that is more than that? Someone you know you can trust, you love them more than anything, and you feel worse about your breakup with them than you do a significant other. What category do they fall in? I don’t know about you, but I like to call her my “person” and Ashley is just that. I believe that it is a Grey’s Anatomy reference but don’t kill me, I haven’t watched it yet! *gasp*.

Since we were little girls in elementary school we have always had a special bond. Not quite “siblings” because we already have those (who happen to be great friends, too) but in all honesty probably a relationship closer than most cousins have. Something that when our parents introduce us to people they include us as one of their own.

I can remember on numerous occasions when we would be out with the Thurby clan and Momma and Poppa Thurby would say “these are my girls Ashley, Kaitlyn, and Erin.” And when someone would say “you have 3 daughters?” They would always reply with “pretty much, Erin is like one of our own” (insert tear because I’m totally crying while typing this). Likewise with my parents. My mom always says that Ashley is like another daughter to her and my dad works at the same school Ashley teaches at so she calls him frequently. My mom thinks so much of her that when we “broke up” a few years ago my mom and Ashely corresponded to help rectify things… (crying even harder now, guys).

So here are just a few reasons why she is my “person”.

We know everything about one another. I know that she hates ice cream other than a few select flavors (usually has chunks of goodies inside and that’s what she prefers over the ice cream itself). Cinnamon turns her ears red (at least it did when we were kids haha) she absolutely hates bugs – stink bugs in particular and Serendipity is, and will always be, her favorite movie.
We share similar interests. It’s true even though we are different in a lot of ways we share similar interests in music, hobbies, clothing, etc.
But we both bring a variety… Ashley may have always been a blonde and I may have been every color of the rainbow at one time, but that only means we help each other in areas we are lacking. What do I mean? Well, Ashley is always on point with her accessories and brands. She helped me realize that I love that stuff too. I, on the other hand, get Ashley to push a little past her comfort zone in some areas where she feels “safe”… although, putting a piece of pink in her hair hasn’t quite stuck yet!
We pray together. No matter what I always have someone to pray with and for me at the drop of a hat. We aren’t afraid to discuss God and pray together. Truth be told we frequently pray over this blog.
We can talk about everything. There have been some deep discussions between the two of us both in person and through late night texts. We feel safe sharing our feelings without judgement.
We aren’t afraid to be honest. Literally as it sounds. In the past I have been in situations where Ashley didn’t think it was ideal for me and she would tell me. There have been other times where she has asked me for my honesty and I was able to be open.
We motivate each other. Never have we ever stopped the other person from being successful. We always encourage one another to reach for the stars.
We are genuinely happy for one another. Jealousy doesn’t have room in our relationship. When something big and exciting happens for one the other is there celebrating and taking pictures.
We take risks together. We started this blog, go on adventures without reservations, and try new things together (like kayaking for the first time Michigan). We hold hands and jump in with both feet!
We share the same morals and values. We were both raised in Christian households. We pride ourselves on being classy and proper. We often get made fun of because we are of the very few who don’t curse and dress modestly. We are confident and happy in our lifestyle; actually, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

As you read that list you probably had one person pop into your mind. If you’re lucky enough to have a person, just like I do, make sure you take the time today to tell them that you appreciate them. Truth be told I would be lost with out her. I feel highly favored that God hand picked her special for me.

Happy birthday, Ash. Thank you for being my person.

Xo,