Now That’s True Love

Today after work/school, I picked up Autumn from “college” and we rushed to Mom & Dad’s house so I could drop Autumn off.  Then I went visiting teaching, which was nice.  I used to HATE visiting teaching but have had a big change of heart and actually really enjoy it and look forward to it.

Last night Dad had to start drinking this stuff that flushes out his bowels so he could go in for a colonoscopy this morning.  Mom had to start drinking it tonight b/c she her colonoscopy in the morning.  For some reason, Dad got the name brand one (the smaller one) and Mom was prescribed the generic grand one (the big one).  But Dad, in an act of TRUE LOVE, drank the big one and let Mom have the little one.  It’s an act of TRUE LOVE, b/c according to them this stuff is pretty nasty to drink.  I’m just glad they’re doing it so they can make sure they don’t have colon cancer, which runs in our family.

We watched Dancing With The Stars for a while, and then it was time for Autumn & I to go.  Dad had to have a big mole on his back removed on Friday and it has been hurting him pretty bad b/c they took out quite a chunk.  But, even though he was in pain, he wrapped Autumn up in a blanket and carried her out to the car.  He tells her every time that she’s getting to big now, yet he still does it b/c she loves it and it makes her so happy.

I decided that instead of going home, we were going to go get ourselves a treat in honor of Tara.  Today is the 3 year anniversary of her death.  I would have gone to Cracker Barrel, since that was “our place” but there’s not one close to us, so I figured having Taco Bell for dinner and a chocolate treat for dessert would have to suffice.  Taco Bell, b/c Tara and I used to make midnight (or later) runs to Taco Bell all the time when were in college and then we’d go to a park by our house and sit on the playground and just sit and talk.

Autumn & I got something called a Frozen Hot Chocolate.  It was pretty expensive, and was good, but not something I would indulge in all the time.  After our treat, we walked around the shopping area for a while to enjoy the night breeze and so Autumn could run off some energy.  We came home and I put Autumn to bed and then Nick & I watched Castle and then there wasn’t anything on TV after that so I flipped over to Dear John and watched that while blogging.  The part where John’s Dad is in the hospital bed out in the hall and he reads his Dad the letter makes me bawl every time!!!

And speaking of bawling, I can’t believe it’s been 3 years, to the day, since Tara’s death.  She has been, and always will be the best friend I’ve ever had.  We connected in a way that was just so natural and easy and comfortable.  We definitely had our ups and downs in the friendship.  We had a rough time when we drifted apart and didn’t speak for a few months (she can hold a grudge like no one’s business), but we eventually made up and picked up right where we left off. 

We were there for each other through the thick and thin of each other’s lives.  I will never forget when she found out her Grandpa died and I held her hair while she threw up b/c she was so upset.  I spent that whole night in her dorm room on her bed just rubbing her back and brushing her hair while she cried.  I will never forget how she flew to Utah for my wedding w/ only 1 week’s notice even though it was a financial strain.  That meant the world to me that she would sacrifice like that to be there for me.  She is one of the funniest, most genuine, loving, caring and giving people I know.

I miss her and think about her every day.  I still find myself thinking that I need to pick up the phone and call to tell her something.  We could go a few months w/out talking b/c she was busy with Michael and her married life and I was busy with Autumn and my life.  But, even if we went a few weeks or even months without talking, when we did finally get to talk it was as if no time had passed at all.  So, I still feel like she’s just a phone call away.  I love her so much and just know she’s doing great and marvelous things on the other side, b/c that’s just who she is.

LOVE YA MORE THAN MY LUGGAGE, GIRL!!!