My Bestie, Barb | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: My Bestie, Barb | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Tijou
05/29/14
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

Barb has been my bestie for fifty-six years (yes, we’re old!). We became friends when she first came to my school in third grade. It started when the teacher lined the class up according to height and Barb and I, both short, headed to the front of the line. We found each other and something just clicked.

We laughed at each others jokes, even if no one else thought us funny. We understood each other, almost spoke our own language. Sometimes we were partners in crime - nothing really bad, just childish antics. We have been side-by-side through every event in each other’s lives. She, there when I mourned the passing of my father and I, there when her parents died. Joys have been shared as well: weddings, births of our children and grandchildren, job promotions, life in general.

In fourth grade the mother of one of our classmates, a shy little boy named Bob, died. He looked so sad when he came to school. Our teacher, Mrs. Hines, rearranged the desks and put Barb and I on either side of him because we laughed, joked and even sang. Within minutes of sitting between us, Bob also laughed, joked, and joined us singing, “we’re poor little lambs who lost our way, baa, baa, baa.”

In high school we were inseparable. It was hard to find one of us without the other. After graduating, when we ran into former classmates, I would often be greeted with, “Hi Barb,” and she with, “Hi Donna,” although aside from being short, we don’t look alike. We enjoy answering to each other’s names.

We both came to know Jesus as personal Savior, though separately, about a month apart. I accepted Him as Savior when we were in our twenties, at a prayer meeting in the basement of my uncle’s church. Shortly after, Barb found Jesus through her sister’s witness and testimony. God gave us the precious gift of friendship with Him, as well as each other.

We both have wonderful husbands, families, and other friends, but our friendship with each other never dies, never dims. There were times when our lives became so busy raising families, returning to college and working, that we didn't see or talk to each other for a while, but the next time we did, it was as though no time had passed; we picked up right where we left off. It’s nice to have a friendship that needs no explaining of the backstory, nor cover-up of self. We accept each other unconditionally, just as Jesus does. She always listens when I’m down and picks me up when I am sad. I am a better person because of her.

We call each other daily now to share news and pray together. It started a few years back when Barb’s younger sister, Ellie, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Barb and I had watched Ellie grow over the years into a mature, healthy woman. Now her body rejected all treatment; she was in great pain. It was hard to see her go through this, so we made a pledge to pray daily for her. For two years we sought God each morning. Eventually, God took Ellie home where she suffers no more. After that, we couldn’t give up our daily routine, so now four years later, I’d feel lost if I didn’t begin the day with my prayer partner.

What can one say about a best friend? I guess that a BFF (best friend forever) is what most people want. Barb, Barbara, Babs, Brabra, all the handles I've given her over the years, fits the bill of what a BBF should be. She has been there through every crisis, sorrow and joy. Someday when we reach heaven, after God lines us up by height, He will probably put our desks together as our fourth grade teacher did. Only then, we’ll be singing, “Amazing Grace.”

God is good to me. He gave me a lifetime friend whom I will cherish until the day I die. I hope He takes me before Barb because I can’t imagine life without her. When I get there, other saints will probably say, “Hi Barb!” I’ll smile and say hi, still happy to be called by each other’s names. What a joy our friendship has been, is, and will be! What a gift! Thank you, God.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.