Thank You for Being a Friend

by melanie on 01/21/09 at 8:50 pm

Melanie and Kristie in Dec. 2008

When first assigned the task to write about my mentor, my immediate reaction was one of a deer in headlights. “I don’t have a mentor!” was my first thought. And, so I began, like I always do to research the topic. I asked friends who were there mentors and I consulted the Webster’s Dictionary. There I learned that a mentor is defined as “a wise adviser; a counselor”. I’ve known many people who have filled that role in my life – from family, friends, career, social and civic activities. But, I kept coming back to my best friend, Kristie.

Kristie and I became fast friends while working with the youth at church when my oldest son and her only son were still in elementary school. I can’t count the numerous phone calls, e-mails and conversations that have transpired since that time. And, then there are the countless laughs and tears shed together. Kristie is first and foremost an inspiration to me. She’s a single, working mom who has been in school (she’s working on her third master’s degree right now!) since I met her. And, yet, through all of it, she always has the happiest, most positive outlook on life. She takes nothing for granted and, as her son often jokes, she gets excited about everything, even the little stuff.

Kristie has been adviser and counselor to me in general life activities — marriage, children, friends, and career. When I was starting my degree in Education and making a career change she was there to encourage and challenge me. She never hesitated to offer me advice, a new way of looking at things, and materials! She was always my go-to person when a project was assigned. She still helps me out when I need it and for the last year it has been more than any one person could have asked for.

I can’t think of enough, or even the right, words to say “thank you” to Kristie for being my confidante, my mentor and most of all, my best friend.