An Unexpected Friend

When I started working at Hallmark 4 years ago, I knew one person, and even then, I didn't know her too well. At the time, I didn't think we would be friends at all. This was my first job, so I didn't know that you become friends with those you work with. Some become very close friends, others just become good acquaintances.

I didn't expect Sarah and I to become such good friends. At the beginning, I was frustrated because she didn't know what she was going to do, and she kept reliving her high school days. But then I got to know her, and I looked past all of that and saw her as a person. I stopped judging and started listening and loving and stopped focusing on myself. I'm not sure at what point it happened, but we became friends. She was one of the first friends that I realized I didn't have to be exactly like them to be good friends. Our differences made the friendship better.

It's been amazing to see her change and grow over the past 4 years. I've seen her go through a relationship and the hardship of a break-up. I've seen her go through the questions of, what next? I've seen her question why she studied what she did at school. I've seen her expand her knowledge of movies. I've seen her being such an encouragement to others at church. I've seen her leave her comfort zone to reach out to some ladies. I've seen her stay in a job which was difficult. I've seen her become an independent woman. And I've loved it all.

We said goodbye today. I know I'll see her again, and we'll pick up right where we left off in our friendship. (We have that kind of friendship where we can talk every couple of months and be good.) But I never expected her to be a good friend, and I never expected it would be hard to say goodbye.

However, this is a good goodbye because I'm so happy for where she's going and how everything has worked out. I'm so proud of her for taking this next big step after having seen all the little steps.

So, goodbye Sarah. I love you, and I'm so thankful for our friendship. I will miss you, but I hope you only come back to visit. Have an amazing time starting this next step in your life!