Wait … what?

Yes. Weird, huh?

I have been a bride. Only once. (but engaged & “promised” twice before so … I know … crazy.)

I have never been a bridesmaid. Never. Not once.

I came close a couple of times but no dice. There was always a sister or cousin or 2nd-grade friend that trumped me and got the job. I’m not bitter about it. Not at all.

Now, that I think about it, those girls quite possibly lost out on the greatest bridesmaid EVER! I know I would’ve been hard-working and perfect for the job!

In fact, for my own wedding nineteen years ago, I scrambled for bridesmaids. SCRAMBLED. And, I only had four. (sorry, girls that may read this that were in my wedding … you were all great!)

I just never had a lot of girlfriends. I had one or two girls that I considered good friends throughout most of my life. But, I always tended to pull back at some point. I had trust issues.

I hate that I missed out on some potentially great friendships and relationships due to walls I put up and the idea that I didn’t need any girlfriends. In fact, I didn’t need anyone.

I realize now that girlfriends are essential to life. I feel very blessed with the generous amount of good friendships that I do have now. Very. Blessed.

Girlfriends play a part in our lives that no husband or boyfriend can play. It’s just a different and special kind of relationship. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about (unless you are like me 20 years ago, then you have no clue).

I say all this to say that I appointed myself an honorary bridesmaid this weekend at my friend, Jeri’s wedding. Yep. I’m bossy like that. I had SO much fun! My friend, Jane, joined me and declared herself honorary bridesmaid as well. Although, she has been a bridesmaid, so it obviously wasn’t as special as it was for me.

I love you, Jeri! I treasure your friendship! 

(And since everyone thinks we’re sisters, I’ve decided to appoint you my honorary sister.)