For some reason I am missing my friend Wendy more today than ever. Could it be because I made apple pancakes for breakfast and the mix was from The Apple Barn in Gatlinburg where we often ate dinner? Or was it the emails that I received from Blue Mountain Mist B&B where we spent our annual Girls Weekend? Or maybe the reminders of our college shenanigans when I receive UTK Alumni information in the mail or via email? Or maybe the lyrics of the song “That’s What Friends Are For?”
Whatever the reason, I am honored and blessed to have had a 40-year friendship with a wonderful person; maturing, learning, loving, making mistakes, traveling and just experiencing life together. Wendy never asked me how I was doing. She always asked me “how your life, Shell?” It was harder to say “fine” and move on from that question. It made me reflect and be honest with my friend because she was truly concerned. Now if I asked about her life, the answer was never about her. It was always about Allen and Kaylah. She was a great deflector! But she was also adventurous. We were like Lavern and Shirley. I was the analytical planner. She was the spontaneous influencer. I must say despite moving out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed every adventure.
I came up with this title shortly after my bestest friend in the whole wide world (a phrase we coined for one another) went to be with the Lord. Basically, because I was wailing, crying with deep grief after I hung up the phone when receiving the news from her sister. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. But as sad as I may feel I am not only reminded of the good times we had but the better time she is having now. No pain, no tears, no sorrow, only joy in the presence of the Lord. I miss you, Kay! (Note: Kay was her middle name that I called her)
Quick Station Identification Break: Wendy died on June 8, 2021, which was National Best Friends Day. I’m not sure who wrote this, but I saved it on my phone that day because it described our friendship to a tee. “The relationship between best friends is often fierce and can withstand distance, storms, and silence whether we’ve known them all our lives or they are more recently acquired. Best friends make tough times bearable, fun times memorable, and memorable times priceless.”
Written July 22, 2022
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