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Friends who are chosen family...


This weekend, I had the honor of attending the wedding of my daughter Kylee's longtime best friend, Danielle. Kylee is the matron of honor, just as Danielle stood beside her at her wedding five years ago as shown in this photo.


I've watched these two girls, who are turning 30 this year, grow up together. From the days when they were in elementary school on the soccer field to the countless birthday parties and Halloween costumes, playdates and sleepovers. From summer vacations watching them tube for hours on Table Rock Lake, driving them to get donuts at Krispy Kreme (but only if the hot light was on), and making them grilled turkey sandwiches to eat while we watched The Voice. They enjoyed some spring breaks together with Danielle's family and me. I remember moving them into the tiny college dorm room they shared, then a slightly larger room in the sorority house and returning for moms' weekends, and a few years later being with them as they signed a lease for their first apartment after college in a downtown Kansas City high rise. These, and so many other experiences, have brought me immense joy.


My daughter is an only child, but I can't imagine her having a biological sister who could be any closer to her than Danille has been. In her toast at the reception, Kylee said, "I've known her through every phase of life...including ones she probably wishes we could both forget. That's two decades of shared memories, endless laughter, and a friendship that has seen every high and low life could throw at us." And knowing the lows that they have endured together, I am endlessly grateful Kylee has had her, and she has had Kylee.


Their friendship reminded me that regardless of the type of relationship that exists, biological or chosen, it's the showing up that matters most. It's seeing each other for real, even the parts we may not agree with or even like, that makes a friend become a family member in our hearts. So, to me, it isn't biology that automatically is most meaningful. It's the people who show up, who are truly there physically and emotionally, who see us for who we are even when it's not a pretty sight.


Kylee said it well later in her toast, "One of the things I admire most about Danielle is her heart, which if you're lucky enough for her to show you, you know how special that is. She shows up. She listens. And she would do absolutely anything for you. She has been there for me always and I would do anything for her. Especially kick a guy's ass if he didn't treat her right." Fortunately, her new husband has nothing to fear because he truly does treat her well.


I'm still getting used to the physical distance between my daughter and I since moving to Florida, but the fact that her best friend moved away several years ago and they've remained close is a great reminder to me that physical distance is no match for love and effort regardless of the type of relationship involved.


Congratulations, Danille and Hunter! I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and joy! And to the entire Moss family, thank you for being our chosen family for so many years. We are truly grateful for you. And to Kylee and Danielle, I hope your friendship and sisterhood lasts a lifetime and that there are many more special memories to be made through the years to come. You two have seen my highs, lows and in betweens, and I appreciate you loving me through them all. I love your relationship and I love each of you!



For access to my memoir, click on the link below. And if you're struggling with relationships in your life, schedule a free virtual or email 15-minute consultation with me to get started making a move toward a healthier life with healthier relationships. Booking | GB Real






 
 
 

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