Tyra and I became friends in 7th grade. We "grew" up together. We talked about our dreams of marriage and raising children. Then after our marriages, we both shared our dreams of what we wanted our children to grow up to be. We called her "Goldilocks" in school and they called me "Dirtspot" and it doesn't really matter why, it was just our nicknames back then. Tyra is the busy fast paced friend and I am the slow one. I guess we compliment each other.

Tyra and I both have the same dreaded illness, fibromyalgia. I believe God meant it this way. Not that he gave us this illness, but that he led us to become friends knowing someday we would truly rely on each more because we shared the same difficulties dealing with Fibromyalgia. She is truly the only friend I have that can completely understand the daily challenges for me because she has the same.

Both her boys are the same ages as my oldest boys. We have kept in touch through all these years. Even when her family moved out of state, we would go visit in the summer time. Distance has not kept us apart. We have enjoyed many a Route 44 Diet Coke from the Sonic together. And she has made lots of Potato Soup for me in my lifetime.

 I love Tyra for her affection and her thoughtfulness. She is kind and caring and supportive. She came from out of town to be with me when my Father passed away. She was one of the first persons I called when I raced to the hospital after Dad suffered his heart attack and she told me then on the phone she would see me by the end of the day. She helped me keep my Mother motivated when Dad passed away. She has prayed for me when I thought my faith was too weak. She has been my friend for about 30 years! That is a friend indeed. Even though time and circumstances have moved us apart in miles, it never can in heart. If I needed her today by my side, I could count on her to be here.