This is a story about my best friend, who went above and beyond to be there for me. My daughter was in the hospital during this time but, in the midst of so much pain, God gave us one of the most precious memories of our friendship, and my life.
Our Origin Story-
How can I even begin to explain a friendship like ours’? We met back in 2007 at tech school where we earned our Medical Assistant certifications. In class we clicked right away. We had a lot in common, both at crossroads in our lives. Me, rebuilding my life after having a baby, leaving my toxic ex and moving back to my mom’s house. She, starting over 3,000 miles away from Arizona where she lived, moving in with her dad and bettering her life for she and her daughter.
Within a few months we were not only going to school together, but working and living as roommates too! We did well in school, both graduating with honors, but our free time looked a bit different. We were a little wild back then, before conversions and reconversions but I have no regrets (okay, maybe one or two!š¤). We talked to guys, danced in clubs and sang in the car. Some of the most fun we had was just hanging out, getting ready and sharing the bathroom mirror.
Everything was fun because we were together. Both writers and passionate people in general, our conversations were gold. We’d talk all day and well into the night, tell our deepest secrets, laugh until we cried and cry until we laughed. Young adulthood is such a formative time and we were both becoming new versions of ourselves. Those girls would be so proud of the women we’ve become. I know I am.
Friendship Endures-
She ended up moving back to Arizona and still resides there today. Our friendship didn’t change, though. We kept in touch, gabbing on the phone whenever we could. We still do, though nowadays we can facetime. Technology can be such a blessing! Years passed but our friendship endured.
We met our future husbands, fell in love with Jesus, married, welcomed children, worked and became homeschool moms. We were there for each other through all of the ups, downs and changes in between. Our friendship stayed the same but took on a spiritual element that cemented it in a new and edifying way. We’re less friends now than family and I couldn’t be more grateful.
She is and has always been, one of the most positive, generous and resilient people I have ever met. She has an incredible story but, not mine to tell! When we are able to visit one another it’s always a special occasion and a cherished experience. This time, however, was a much different story. My daughter was in the ICU and I was beside myself. I called her on facetime as usual but this time I sobbed. She said she’s never seen me in such a state.
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Proverbs 27:17
Going the Distance-
It was another heart-wrenching day in intensive care with my husband, watching over our comatose daughter, breathing via machine. I was draped over her in grief and prayer when I heard the messenger ring from my phone. I know it’s her whenever I hear it and I answered right away. I expected her to ask for an update. She’d had her whole church, family and friends praying for a miracle.
What she said instead was “I’m flying out!” I told my husband she was coming and we both cried grateful tears. He knows how close we are and heck, she’s known him as long as I have! I felt such a sense of relief knowing she was on the way. A friend who’s seen my daughter grow and knows my heart inside and out. Someone who has picked me up and strengthened me more times than I can count. I was shocked but not surprised. This is who she is.
She selflessly arranged for family to keep her children, spending money and taking time off of work to rush to our aid. She not only left her 2 sons who she raise’s single-handedly, but her pregnant daughter, the parents she cares for and the young women in her community that she mentors.
She arrived and stayed in our middle kid’s room. She prayed over our family and our home, prayed out and inside of the hospital, prayed by the bedside and prayed with me. With all the might of our faith we cried out to the Great Physician to spare my daughter’s precious life.
The Moment-
Day after day passed like this, praying and helping any way she could. Meanwhile my daughter was extubated then, heartbreakingly, intubated again. She was making progress so the amazing doctors and nurses discussed waking her up again. The same day they deliberated was the day my friend had to go home. She tried to extend her stay, but had to go.
I arrived to the hospital that morning as soon as I was allowed. I usually stayed while my incredible family members rotated in and out to keep us company. It was her turn this time, the last time she’d be here to do it before catching her flight back home.
When I saw her in the lobby, she was seated with head down and hands clasped. She looked up at me with urgent eyes to study my expression. I floated toward her, clapped and exclaimed, “She’s awake!”
Immediately she jumped up in jubilation. We hugged and laughed and cried. We made a scene of praise and shouts of glee! It was one of the happiest, most powerful moments of my life and I’ll never forget it. We both had Holy Spirit chills and she told me that she prayed my daughter would come off of the ventilator before she left.
Our Father, in His endless mercy, had heard our prayers and blessed us, his daughters with an otherworldly joy.š„²
Though I was blindsided by my daughter’s illness, Jesus knew what would happen all along. Our sovereign Lord puts people in our lives for seasons and reasons we can’t begin to understand. He took two rough-hewn girls with colorful pasts from opposite coasts and transformed us into prayer warriors, disciples and testimonies of His love.
My bestie is on a new journey now, one of sobriety, a faith more on fire than ever and a beautiful new horizon ahead. Her passion for souls and infectious joy of Christ will reach even further than before. She’s a blessing to all and I am so deeply honored to call her my friend forever.
Please pray for her as she continues the amazing journey she is on. Ann Marie, I love you. Thank you for all that you are.
Love, Cait
Prayers Over The Kitchen Sink 