Dear Erin,
As I started to think about all the people in my life, and the things they have done, it seemed as though your name was coming up everywhere. Little did I know back in 9th grade band class that you and I would become friends. Not only friends, but BEST friends! Here we are 38 years later (gosh, that sounds like a really long time) we are still best friends. YOU have been with me through every monumental event in my life. Our wedding, all the trials and tribulations we went through with infertility issues, being with us when we brought Abbie and Logan home…I could go on and on forever. Through all the marching band events, ice arena conversations, boyfriend trials, you name it. We have done so many things together I can’t even begin to write them all down. But the one thing I do remember is that YOU were always there.

YOU have been my strength when I needed it the most. YOU have helped guide me and give me advice when my marriage was in dire straits. YOU never judged me.  YOU helped me understand why it was so difficult for my husband to love me, and understand why he is the way he is. YOU encouraged me to get help, if I wanted to keep it all together.

YOU were with me all the way when the Village of Pemberville got it all wrong. YOU encouraged me, got angry with me, and simply didn’t give up, when I certainly had. YOU helped me get out of bed when no one else could.

YOU have always been there. ALWAYS. I can’t think of a single time throughout my life since I’ve known you that you haven’t been there. YOU are that phone call I make when I feel like I can’t take even one more step and I feel like giving up. YOU have this calming effect on me, and make me think things through, no matter what it is. Unconditionally. YOU have helped me understand and accept Abbie for who she is. My kids all love you! YOU are their Aunt! Coming to visit YOU and your family in Nashville is one of my annual highlights, when I can swing it. I so enjoy our visits to Franklin. The road to Nashville is never long – especially when you fly!

YOU have always encouraged me to do the things that I love to do, and taught me never to give up. Lessons I have reflected on many times over the years. YOU are one of the most caring, unselfish, loving people I have ever met. I am so glad I was playing flute all those many years ago when you moved to Ohio. I can’t even begin to know what my life would have been like without you in it. I have no doubt I would have lost my mind! YOU are my sister. Having a best friend is special. Having YOU as a best friend is a gift. A gift that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

I’m not very good at putting my thoughts into writing, so I hope this letter gives you some idea of what you have meant to me over the years. I’m not really sure how to end this letter, so I guess I will just say “Thank You for always being YOU”.

I love YOU, always!
Marcy