The Friendship That Changed Her Life

The friend whose presence changed my life is Charla. We started off as coworkers over 30 years ago and developed an indescribable friendship. We talked about everything and shared our journeys of motherhood and more. Along the way Charla taught me to be myself unapologetically. Life happened and we didn't talk as often, but when we did we picked up as usual. We spoke via text in May and promised to see each other the next time I visited the states which was August of this year. Unfortunately I received a call on August 14th and was told she was in hospice. I saw her the morning of August 15th and sadly she passed away that evening. I will continue to live unapologetically like she taught me.

Jackie Potter taught me that some friendships are bigger than the years we lose. After a disagreement kept us apart for about 15 years, she came back into my life when my father died and reminded me that grace, forgiveness, and showing up when it matters are not just qualities of how I want to live, they are how I want to lead.

Some of the friends who have shaped me most are the ones who dared me to think differently. One once asked me, 'Do you work to live, or live to work?' My initial reaction was that when you do meaningful work you're passionate about, the two don't have to be mutually exclusive but her question has stayed with me to this day, reminding me that even when you love what you do, you can never lose yourself in the work. She remains my best friend, still reminding me to find that balance and never lose sight of the life I'm working so hard to build.