In Memorium

When I was in high school, I had 2 best friends, Audra and Becky. Both of them moved to Owasso at the beginning of the 9th grade and I met them both on the first day of school. I had no idea how much that day and meeting those girls would change my life.

We had so much in common and had so much fun together. We called ourselves the Boo Boo Sisters (Heather Boo Boo, Becky Boo Boo and Audra Boo Boo). I even made a Boo Boo Baby for Becky to take on a band trip because she was the only Boo Boo Sister going and we didn't want her to be alone. Yes, I know that's cheesy, but we were 15.....what do you expect?

Becky was talented both academically and musically, but what made her so special was her kindness. Becky was kind to every person she met. There were no social barriers she couldn't ignore......it made no difference if it was the nerdy weirdo or the popular cheerleader, Becky would treat everyone with the same respect and kindness. By the time we were Juniors, Becky was class president and well liked by everyone. The Boo Boo Sisters were as tight as ever and things seemed relatively care-free.

On January 18, 1988, Becky was killed in an accident on her way back to school from having gone to retrieve a yearbook layout she had forgotten at home. I had seen her in the hall that morning as I was rushing to my first class and we exchanged a few words about the exciting things happening in our boy-crazy, high school lives and promised to find time later in the day to really discuss all our news.......but that was the last time I ever spoke to Becky.

Her death had a profound effect on me and still does to this day.

Because of Becky's kindness to everyone, I try to be the kind of friend to my friends and those I meet that she was to me. I feel this is the best way to honor her memory and keep part of her alive.

Although it has been 21 years, Becky is still very much a part of mine and Audra's lives and friendship. We try to make fairly regular trips to her final resting place in Missouri and hope her family finds comfort in knowing how much we loved her, too.

Continue to rest peacefully our beloved Boo Boo Sister. We love and miss you!

..............until we meet again.

A Tribute to Friendship and Love

In one week my best friend will be getting married. When I moved to Oklahoma City, I never could have imagined how my life would change just by meeting Jessica.

We share a love of books, music, roller skating and the number 13 just to name a few.

We've celebrated birthdays together (Party 'til you Puke.......Outside!) and have been tattooed together.

Neither one of us could have forseen what would come from checking out a karaoke bar on a friend's recommendation. That was the first time we (yes, I meant to say "we") laid eyes on Darrell (better known as Junior to most).

At the time, Junior had no idea what he was in for, but just last week he told me. "I realized a long time ago that you and Jess were a package deal" when I asked, "Do you realize you're practically marrying me, too?" Not only does he put up with mine and Jess' crazy friendship, he really does consider me a part of their family.....which makes me a very lucky girl, indeed.

In addition to the kind of love one can only get from her best friend and the love and tolerance from Junior, there's the icing on the cake: Jess and Junior's children. What a priviledge it is to be their godmother. Even more blessings I don't deserve.

Over the past 8 years Jess and I have experienced all manner of joys and sorrows, but those are the things which strengthen the bonds of friendship. And next week we will add another joyous memory to our list.

I'm so thankful to have the Hall family in my life and wish them all the happiness and love in the world as they start this new chapter.

As Anne Shirley said of her best friend, Diana, on her wedding day, so I say to Jessica,
"You are the bride of my dreams" I love you, girl!