Happy Friendiversary

Today is one of the most significant days in my life. I’m one who remembers important anniversaries and significant events from my life. Today is one such day. And I’m especially grateful for this one. On top of what day it is, this year’s anniversary comes on the heals of our latest adventure 🤩

Cherie and I originally became Twitter mutual friends on March 10, 2022. I remember that day as well. It is actually the day that led to today being what it is…hehehe Although she had made a post that got the attention of DisTwitter, what led to us eventually speaking directly was a post I made about doing Disney character paintings. Her response to that post inspired “Bambi’s Bird”, the first in a traditional painting I make for her each year. It also marked the first time we had “talked” online. I didn’t respond to her original post until a day or so later…hehehe

About a year later, I created “Bambi’s Bird” and sent it to her. I included a note with my phone number to let her know I was just a phone call or text away if she ever needed. And then on May 20th, 2023, she did reach out. But she was reaching out because she knew I was the one who needed a friend 🥹 I appreciated her so much for reaching out to me that day 3 years ago. Had she not posted her “storybook” post, hadn’t responded to my “painting” post, and not sent me that text 3 years, my life would be quite different today. And I know hers would be quite different as well.

We didn’t talk daily back then. It started as mostly checking in about once a week, I think. And then we began sharing important events like Disney days with each other. But by the end of that year, we were talking over text literally every day. On the first anniversary of May 20th, Cherie wrote me a lovely letter. She mentioned something about doing a blog post…hehehe But she then surprised me with a heartfelt letter instead 🥹 I read it every year on this day as a reminder of how precious this friendship is. And a reminder that neither of us are alone anymore. God has given both of us a great gift in this fellowship and friendship 🥰

I haven’t yet finished this year’s painting. But it is still in progress and will hopefully become part of her birthday present this year…hehehe This year’s will be the 4th. One for each year of our friendship. I didn’t know back in the beginning that it would become tradition. And it is now the first of so many traditions we now share. Many of our traditions are now an important part of our vacations and time together in California 🤩

We also have many weekly traditions that keep us close when I’m not in California. Today is Wednesday; which became our weekly Humpty Dumpty Day last June. So, we are coming up on the anniversary of that weekly celebration too! We also do a weekly Rex Dance Party…LOL And just a few weeks ago, we added a weekly movie day on Tuesdays 🤩 Right now, we are going through all of the Disney classic animated films ❤️ Which, as we know, is related to her Tweet that originally brought us together…hehehe

I just got back early this morning from our latest adventure together. It seems so Cherendipitous that we had this vacation to complete the past year and begin another year of fellowship 🙏🙌 We didn’t talk about that on the trip. But it is on my mind today as I reflect on everything we have built these past 4 years…especially in the past 3. In a lot of ways, this vacation was our favorite so far. It was our 4th in just 9 months. And our 6th time together in the past 2 years. This has been an amazing journey and I am very grateful for everything about this fellowship 🥹

This has been the most impactful relationship I have ever had. That’s not to take away from relationships with anyone else; like my parents or son. All the people in my life have made an impact. It’s just that this particular friendship has been a significant part of the years of growth I’ve been experiencing in the 4 years I’ve know Cherie. She has been with me through it all in ways that no one else has.

Happy Anniversary, Cherie 🤩 I’m so grateful for you and all that you do that makes my heart happy 🥰 Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for the laughter and smiles. Thank you for the encouragement. Thank you for the adventures. I’m glad you are my best friend 🤗❤️

Here’s to many more years and adventures to come 🙏🙌