I have had my half of this best friends necklace for over 25 years. Yes, 25 years! My senior year of high school, Marianne, an exchange student from South Africa, sat down beside me in class. By the end of class, I had invited her to lunch. By the end of lunch, I had invited her to the basketball game that night. By the end of that night, we were friends. And by the end of her year in Texas, Marianne and I were best friends.
The night before she left to return to South Africa, I gave Marianne the other half of this best friend necklace. After a tearful goodbye, I climbed into the backseat of my parents car and sobbed all the way home. I don’t mean I cried. I mean, I sobbed like a great big baby. My heart was broken because I knew that I would never see Marianne again.
Well, I’m happy to say that God had very different plans for our friendship. In fact, Marianne has returned to Texas a number of times. I have even had the pleasure of meeting her kind husband and her lovely children. Her children call me Auntie Jeannine with the most adorable accent I’ve heard.
For my 40th birthday, My Man of Steel and my sisters pulled off a shockingly, SURPRISING birthday party for me. I was totally CLUELESS. And there in that room full of family and friends that I love was Marianne! She had traveled all the way from South Africa just to join in on my birthday celebration. In my state of shock, I kept asking, “Why are you here?! Why are you here?!” Marianne kindly answered over and over, “I’m here for you.”
She brought with her a special gift. She had a necklace made for me from this shell she had found on the beach in South Africa. I have shells everywhere in my home from beaches around the world. Around the world might be just a wee exaggeration. But any beach I travel to, I’m certain to return with something wonderful I’ve combed from the beach. Only best friends know how to give you such a thoughtful gift meant only for you.
Just this past Christmas, I was once again blessed with a visit from Marianne and her family. This Christmas was by far one of the best Christmas’s my little family has every experienced. Just like all those years ago, the night came when I had to say goodbye to Marianne. This picture was snapped just before our last hug goodbye (and I’m wearing another necklace from South Africa). But I’ve gotten much better at these goodbye’s. Now instead of sobbing, which is really a big step forward for a cry baby like me, I thank God for being so good to our friendship (and then I cry only a little). You see Marianne is married to a Pastor. And a Pastor’s salary in South Africa does not allow for trips to America. So each trip has been a true miracle and a true blessing to our friendship. Maybe our family will even make it to South Africa one day.
During this season of Valentines and friendship, share your tribute to a special friendship. Who is your best friend and why?
Life with Jeannine
“At school” we’re giving away the book Toot & Puddle, a story of friendship and adventure. When I read Toot & Puddle it reminds me of my friendship with Marianne and all of the letters we’ve sent to each other through the years.
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This one strikes a chord – I met my best friend some 21 years ago in college & we haven’t lived in the same state since! She’s across the Pacific Ocean these days (Hawaii is her long-term home) & visits are few & far between. Goodbyes are still tough! But we’ve managed to share each major event in our lives & I cherish her dearly. Thanks for the reminder!
A visit from a dear friend sounds like the best birthday present ever. You are blessed! I have a couple really good friends from high school, but we don’t get together as often as I would like!