"My Person"

While watching the latest Grey's Anatomy Perfect Storm episode Christina says to McDreamy "She is going to be okay. She has to be. She is our person." 

This struck a huge chord in my heart. I sat and pondered what made it resonate so profoundly. Then I thought of how lucky I am because "my person" is actually "my people." I don't have a city but I definitely have a village. I am SO blessed!!! In every season of my life I have had the honor of meeting and keeping (at least) one true and kindred friend.

 In early junior high Alicia, the girl who lived kitty corner from me, became  a friend who helped me through the warring sea of prepubescent mean girls.

    Summer 98' two yrs. later

    15 years later...Reanna, Alicia, & Me

 In high school, Megan and I bonded through a theater class and a love of dance (even with two left feet). We have a mutual eclectic and disorganized style.

     Summer of 2000 two yrs. later

     Taken 10 years later Megan, Me (pregnant with Ryko), & John

In college during the insecurities of being far from home in a completely new culture Leann and I discovered a common love of four am, coffee, and goofiness (though I only speak of myself with this description). In addition, I must say I have Rachana, Amanda, Sandra, and Becca. All of whom I met in college and have been lasting friends.

    September-ish 2002 Cait, Maureen, Angie, Leann, & Me

    May 2006 Me, Cait, & Leann...Maureen is missing :(

After graduation I moved back home to AZ and found myself in the life stage of stay at home mama. It is a wonderful but sometimes isolating and lonely experience. Thankfully, I met Tiffany through a mom's group and re-connected with my estranged cousin Nicole.

    Taken 2 1/2 years later Me (pregnant with Ari) & Tiffany...we don't have many photos together that has to change :)

    Taken about 4 years after reconnecting Me & Nicole

The best part: I can even include my husband in this. We met in third grade and went to school together until the end of sixth grade. Then we lived on opposites sides of town. Yet we remained friends, even through MANY challenges. Luckily that friendship worked in our favor. 

    December 2000 8 yrs. after 3rd grade

    Taken 5 1/2 yrs. into marriage, 21 yrs. after 3rd grade!!!

Each friend has their own unique qualities and stories which bond us. Each one is treasured and thought of on a daily basis.   Each connection has been a life line at some point during trials and tribulations. Each one celebrates the happy times and mourns the sad ones with me. Even better...it is mutual, because I do the same for them! I intentionally left out my closest family members although they are absolutely in "my people" because I wanted to focus on the people who come into our lives by chance but stay by intention.

I am very curious how each of my readers would classify themselves. Are you the type of person who has "my person" or are you like me in having "my people?" Share your thoughts and stories  because I would love to read them. :)