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The most beautiful discovery true friends make

is that they can grow separately without growing apart. 

Ronda and I have been friends for along time now. We met when our kids were in kindergarten. We were standing outside in the hallway waiting for our kids and we started to talk. Ronda sold "princess house'' at that time and so I agreed to have a party for her. That was the start of our friendship. We talked on the phone alot and hung out quite a bit when we lived close. I tell ya we could talk for hours at a time. We clicked from the beginning and we have been good friends for along time. 

It takes a long time to grow an old friend. 

Ronda moved to a different city. Not far from me, but it just seemed we didn't see eachother as often. We still talked on the phone probably everyday. Things in my life changed, my divorce and moving away, during that time I was going through alot of changes. We drifted a part a bit. Not that I didn't think of her and I know she thought of me too. Just didn't seem to talk as much. I divorced and moved to a new home. We lost contact for quite awhile.  She then moved to Virginia. I had been invited to her going away party but it was at a time I was dealing with merging my family and Duane's and it was our weekend with the kids. The kids were not dealable enough to bring them to a function like that without causing a scene. It was bad. So we didn't end up getting there and Ronda and I didn't talk for a couple years I think. 

One day, just before Duane and I were moving into our new home. I got an email from Ronda. Oh I cried so hard, I had been trying so hard to find her and couldn't, so she found me. I went to write her back to tell her I was moving and that my email was changing and how happy I was to hear from her. Gave her my phone number, etc. I hit send and it came right back to me. I tried several times, even leaving my computer at my old house just a couple days more to see if I heared anymore from her. I never did. 

Friends are kisses blown to us by angels.

A month or so later, I finally was able to track down an old partylite counsultant who had Ronda's Mom's phone number. I was able to contact her and I got in touch with Ronda. What a happy day that was, we were able to catch up and it felt just as if I talked to her yesterday. Nothing had changed, we talked just like we had never lost contact, other then the fact we were catching up on things we actually missed. I was shocked to hear how Ronda's life had changed. She lost her best friend/sister Kelly just a few months before we got back in touch. My heart went out to her, I felt terrible, I should of been there. I found out her and her husband at the time were not doing so well. I couldn't believe it. I was so happy to be back in her life now more then ever. She needed a friend and I missed her so much. Ronda and I connected again and have been talking regularly ever since.

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow. 

Ronda got a divorce finally. It was a very long and emotional situation. Not because she didn't want it, she wanted it more then anything else in the world. She was ready to be on her own and face the world. Her ex made her life miserable, she feared her life many times and the emotion of trying to support your kids and fear what could happen was alot on her. Ronda is a strong person but this was truly testing every bit of her strength. I was happy to be there for her, even though I am hundreds of miles away. She was in a state where she knew noone and living in a very small town, she felt really alone. She met people but her ex would make sure there lives were miserable too. All Ronda wanted to do was start over and be happy with her kids. She did it, she managed to get through it all. I will never forget how happy she was when she found out she was officially divorced and free to be herself. It was a new beginning for her and I was excited to be a part of her new life.

Ronda starting dating, she met a few guys who she had fun with and who she started to care about but men play games too and she had a couple with some good games. Then one day, she met a guy and she really liked him. He really liked her too. They spent time together as 'friends' just 2 people hanging out having a good time. Ronda was very worried to be with him. He was much younger then she was in age. That was a big hang up for her. However, she was truly herself around him, she was happy and enjoyed the hell out of spending time with him. I told her get over the age, take a chance. She wanted to, I think she worried about what people would think, that was her problem. Who cares what people think, if you like him and he's good to you, who's to judge that? Noone, follow your heart! She did!!!! He's a wonderful man and she loves him very much. He is great with the kids and they need a 'man' figure in there lives to show them how a man is suppose to treat a woman if anything else. I think he is a very good role model for these kids.

A good friend is cheaper than therapy. 

I have not met Josh yet. However, I have spoke with him and have heard alot of things about him. You know us girls, we talk LOL She knows my 'secrets' and I know hers. It's just how us women are, gotta love us! LOL!  My favorite thing about Josh so far is his sexy voice. He is a southern boy and it is my weakness. I have seen pictures of him. I think he is a good looking guy. He has a nice smile, when you can get him to smile for a picture. They look very good together. He does not appear to be as young as he is, nor does he sound like someone his age. He's a man no doubt about that, this is not a boy married to my girl. Yes, I did say Married LOL They got married this year. I was getting to that part LOL I do look forward to meeting Josh face to face. I look forward to eating his cooking too. Ronda cooks very well and I have had her food, but Josh can cook too!! I am jealous that's for sure LOL I can't cook and neither can Duane. Duane can bake but maybe Josh can teach him to 'cook' lol Oh that would be wonderful. I know Duane and Josh should hit it off. They really do remind me of eachother in some senses, but they have hunting and fishing and outdoor shit in common. Josh is a redneck and Duane really is too. I am very happy Ronda has Josh, he has made a huge difference in her life. I know they will be very happy together. Together they can get through anything.

Ronda and Josh got married this year '08.  They made it official. I was so happy for them. Sad that I couldn't get there to see it. They went to the courthouse and said there vows. They had a dinner afterwards with family and friends. No big spectacular event. That's not how either of them are, they just wanted to make there vows together and go back home and start there lives. However, parents seem to have a different plan. Josh's Mom held the party and they celebrated the happy day. 

Ronda has children, she has 3 beautiful daughters. Her oldest is Miranda, she is the one who went to school with Jason. Kelly is her middle child and Morgan is her youngest. Since her sister passed away, she is also raising her neice, Brandi. Brandi is almost 18 and she just had a baby, nevaeh. So Ronda and Josh are grandparents!! Yah! She definetly has alot going on and alot on her plate so to speak, but I told you Ronda's a strong woman. She handles things very well. She is a genuinely nice person with a huge heart. She does good things for people and is always a helping hand or shoulder you may need. She's beautiful on the inside and out. I am so greatful to have become her friend and I am even happier then we continue to be friends.

I wish more then anything she lived back here in Michigan, but so long as she is happy, it doesn't matter where she lives, we will be friends. Just would make it a bit easier to see her LOL Go out, hang out, laugh in person, have a drink together, you know all those good things. I want to share things with her we can rememeber, our own memories, but I am going to see her before this year is up. I started a new job and time off will be slim, but I will do what I have to, to get down there for a visit! 

One of the things I think I love the most about Ronda is that she is genuinely a good person. She doesn't judge me, even though we are different in many ways, she doesn't judge me. She accepts me for who I am. That is huge with me. Ronda is a good spirited person, even when her life was turned upside down, she kept a smile on her face as much as she could. She puts others before herself, always. She's a positive person to be around and she's a good friend. She's honest and caring. She's a wonderful mother, and trust me she has always had her hands full LOL She's got 3 girls and she has raised them alone most of their lives. They had a father, but he was never there, always on the road trucking and when he wasn't time with the girls wasn't his priority. She's been the rock they have needed all there lives. Her girls are her life.

Family is important to Ronda. She is a simple girl with no out landish dreams. Roof over her head, a car to drive and food for her family is all she needs. She doesn't need extravagent things to make her happy. Sharing life with the people she loves is truly what matters to Ronda. I think she is a rare breed LOL She has hopes and dreams but they are just about being happy, nothing more. She's a happy person and when I talk to her, no matter my mood, She puts a smile on my face.  That's a quality in a friend I admire. She's a warm and welcoming person, who would give you the shirt of her back. She is shy behind her smile and sometimes not confident enough in her self but she's a wonderful person to have in your life, if your lucky enough to meet her.

Thank you Ronda for being my friend over the years. May we always be as close as our hearts allow us to be, no road can ever be to long between friends!!! I love you and wish you all the happiness in the world. Keep smiling. Your life is just starting. Rough roads may be ahead but hold on to that his hand and together you will get through anything. I am here for you always and will do whatever I can for you, all you have to do is tell me what you need. Love ya Girlfriend!!

Josh, you best take good care of her...what am I saying, I know in my heart you will. So thank you for being so damn persistant with her lil ass! LOL! For having faith in what you felt for her and patience to wait til she seen the light. You two were meant to be together and I wish you the happiest of day together. I think you received a special gift and I think so did Ronda and the girls. Can't wait to meet you and listen to you talk for hours and hours and hours! LOL! I may have to be excused a time or two LMAO! OMG I crack myself up! Really though, I am not kidding! OR am I? Ahh, just have to wait and see! Byyyyeeee