I met my best friend, Kristi, as summer was ending in 2000. We were moving into our apartments to start seminary. From that moment, we were friends. It was friends at first sight. For four years of seminary, we were usually together. (She did spend a year doing an internship in Virginia during this time-don’t worry we talked on the phone and emailed regularly).
Then we graduated and we both took jobs as Associate Pastors. I was near Milwaukee, and she was near Cleveland. We used to joke that my weather would be her weather the next day. During this time, we did spend two weeks together in Scotland when we worked on our application for The Amazing Race. I still think of the fun we would have had running the race each time I watch it!
She officiated my wedding. There were more moves. I officiated her wedding while she was sick with stupid cancer. And I was there with her 13 years ago as she took her last breath.
There are so, so many details I left out in this short description of our friendship. I am thankful to have had a friend who loved me for who I was, who supported me in pursuing my dreams, and who never doubted the possibilities of what each of us could do.
It seems hard to believe that it has been 13 years since I said goodbye to my buddy. Today in her memory, why not tell someone you love them? Or do something kind for someone else? I will be working on my kindness, telling my people how much I love them, and enjoying some tasty food in memory of my best friend, Kristi!
