Things haven't always been so wonderful though. Back in 2003, we had a huge falling out. We thought it would be a good idea to move in with each other, only to realize after a couple of months that we should've never taken that step. I made mistakes. She made mistakes. I moved out and we didn't talk for almost 4 months. We finally ran in to each other in Applebee's near Christmas time. I didn't wanna look at her. She didn't look at me. Finally, Leo walked up to where I was sitting and broke the ice for both of us. After we both swallowed our pride, we embraced each other and just cried. I had missed her so much. I filled her in on my newly formed relationship with Kyle and she told me how she and Leo were also living together. We vowed that night to always be by the other's side. Heather was the first person I called when I got pregnant with Erik. She was so happy for me. She helped to plan my baby shower when it was time. But for some reason - that I'm still not sure I even know about, we drifted apart again. I can remember feeling so lost. I expected her to be there when we welcomed Erik into the world, but instead I can remember sending her a text.
I wasn't there for her when she had to go through her radical hysterectomy. I was such a bad friend that I didn't even know that she was going through that until I read about it on MySpace one day. I felt awful and I hated myself for letting her down. We had been through so much together and sadly we had just drifted apart. We continued to stay in touch, but me being a new mother and her being a newlywed, we didn't make the time for each other that we should have.
Fast forward to November 15, 2009. I don't remember much about that day, but I do remember sending Heather a text and telling her we were headed to Greenville Memorial. She didn't ask any questions and immediately said "I'm on my way". She got to the hospital before I did and hasn't left my side yet. She was there for me throughout the rest of that day and the days that followed. She made a beautiful slideshow for Erik's funeral and I haven't been able to thank her enough for that.
This past week, my best friend had to endure hell again. She lost her father on December 8, 2010 and laid him to rest on December 13, 2010. I've seen Heather laugh at the way she reacted the night her father passed and I've seen her have a break down in the middle of Kohl's because she spotted flannel shirts. I've seen Heather hold back tears when I know she was drowning on the inside. Heather made all the plans for her father's funeral. She has taken care of everything for her mother and sister. I witnessed my best friend stand up in a room full of people grieving her father and read the eulogy that she had written him with grace and strength. My best friend stood at her father's casket and looked me straight in the eye and asked if I was OK.
She's been the rock for her family. And she's been a pillar for me when I watched my world crumble around me. She is an inspiration and a wonderful, wonderful friend. I can't imagine my life without her in it and although we don't live that close, I know that I can ALWAYS count on her and I pray that she knows the same goes for me.
