Day 8 of Thankfulness: My second families

Today I'm thankful for those friends who became closer than just friends. These friends opened up their homes and their lives to me and have blessed me in many ways.

The first family to do this was the Betz family. Traci and I were best friends before Kindergarten and we were always together. There are very few memories without Traci from my childhood. We had so many sleepovers, McDonald's toy wars on my daybed, walks through the muddy field to get to the gas station for candy and talked about our crushes on a daily basis. But not only were we close friends, her family was like a second family to me. Her parents treated me like another daughter and loved me.

There were a few other older couples from Bryant who treated me like family, but I think I'll save that post for another day.

Another family to do this was Jim & Jeanette Downey. A couple months ago, I posted how everyone should have a Jeanette in their lives. Jim & Jeanette are so very special to me. They helped this awkward teen through so much just by listening and spending time with me. I have no clue how my teen years may have turned out if I didn't have them to turn to during that time.

Another family that became a second family to me was the Mayne family. Becca was a few years younger than me, but was one of my best friends in West Chester during High School. We loved shopping and talking about boys, but we spent a lot of time at each others houses and the Maynes welcomed me, fed me and loved me.

Another family is the Wren family. Oh, where to start with this family? I first met Keith Wren (and Tabby) during my interview at the Cone. I think I was 15 at the time. I had no clue how this summer job would turn into lifetime friendships. Keith and his dad relentlessly teased me everyday during every summer. I babysat for Tabby one time when she was young and refused to watch her ever again since she told her parents I was smoking (which I was not) and she was CRAZY! I did babysit for Keith's little nephew on a regular basis. I worked there all through high school. Then through college. Then I moved away to Evansville, so it was no longer an option to work there on a daily basis. But I did get to work a few days every once in a while if I came back to visit. Then after I got back from Ukraine and asked Keith if I could possibly come back to work there until I found a full time job, his family went above and beyond. They offered me the job (with some additional responsibilities) and a place to live at their home. Their generosity moved me so much! I loved living with them, even Tabby who was no longer as crazy and made no more lies about me. I loved having her as a little sister to take shopping and spend time together! Of course, when you live with the Wren's, you never know what you are going to get. The first night I pulled my covers down in bed, the left me a lovely surprise :) We'll just leave it at that!

One last person I want to mention is my buddy, Sung. We met way back in 10th grade and have been great friends ever since. We've stuck together through some rough times, but I'm so glad I've had his encouragement and he's had mine. He's like the Korean brother I never had!

So today, I'm thankful for those friendships and relationships. These people didn't have to invest in my life or stick with me, but they did. A good, true friend is so valuable and precious. Thank you for investing in my life!