Southern Friends

This is my friend, Sally.  She's a true Southern Friend, as defined below.  And the amazing part is, she's only Southern by choice, yet she's the epitome of a Southern Lady.  Sally was a "Navy brat" who grew up, quite literally, all over the world!  I am so grateful that God planted her at LSU for the first part of her college career so I could find her!  I've just been following her around ever since.  In the 30 years since I've known her, she's lived in Louisiana, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Iowa, and Kentucky, and I am proud to say, I've tracked her down in all of those places!  Also, we've "visited" (see below) in the states of Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Tennessee, AND North Carolina over the years.  Good Lord willing, we're planning to hike the Grand Canyon together one day soon!  (We're bringing the husbands along, too; somebody's gotta carry the gear!) 

Friends:
  Never ask for food.

Southern Friends:
  Always bring the food -- lots of it.

Friends:
  Will say "hello."

Southern Friends:
  Will give you a big hug and a kiss.

Friends:
  Call your parents Mr. And Mrs.

Southern Friends:
  Call your parents Mom and Dad.

Friends:
  Have never seen you cry.

Southern Friends:
  Cry with you ... And for you.

Friends:
  Will eat dinner at your place and leave.

Southern Friends:
  Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, "visiting," and just being together...then do the dishes.

Friends:
  Know a few things about you.

Southern Friends:
  Could write a book with direct quotes from you. And most of the time know you better than  you do yourself. *
*This one really rang true for me over New Year's when we were visiting at Sally and Alan's in Kentucky. 

Friends:
  Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.

Southern Friends:
  Will kick the whole crowds' back-ends that left you. Then walk beside you in the front of the crowd.

Friends:
  Knock on your door.

Southern Friends:
  Walk right in and say, "Are you home?" If you are not home, they will wait.

Friends:
  Are "For Now".

Southern Friends:
  Are for life.

My friend Sally is one of the grandest gifts I've been given.  I am grateful for the blessing that she has been in my life! 

Y'all, if your best friend lives nearby, go right now and hug her neck!  I'd do that if I could.  ;-)  Love you, Sal! 

Angela