My sister and friend

I am so thankful for the women in my life. Strong, sensitive, caring women whom I have had the privilege to know and become friends with. And in this case, have as a beautiful sister. Demetria is my sister by marriage, but in my heart she really truly is my sister. I couldn't love her more even if we had the same mother. We've dropped the whole in-law thing. And we're connected by blood- it's just the blood of Jesus.

It's been almost thirteen years now, since we first met. It was the fall of '95, and I was going thru Rush at Delta State. I remember during the first part of the week, I just happen to walk up to the front desk in Brumby Castle, where we were staying, as a group of girls were asking her questions. She was working as a Rho-Chi, which is kinda like a counselor/ dorm mother during Rush. I remember wondering what sorority she was in, and hoped I'd end up in the same one. She was so helpful and kind to everyone. I remember my first impression was that she seemed very genuine and down-to-earth.

I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the week to find that we were indeed going to be in the same sorority. And we became friends very quickly. Have you ever had the kind of moment where you're the new girl in school and you walk in, not really sure where you fit in, when suddenly the most beautiful and popular girl in the school invites you to come over and sit with her? Well, that is exactly how I felt with Dena. She instantly made me feel at home. I'll never forget walking into one of my first chapter meetings. She called out my name from across the room and waved me over where she had saved me a seat. Even though she didn't end up as my official "big sis," she always looked out for me and helped make the tradition and ritual behind our sisterhood mean more to me than anyone else. She was so excited when she found out that I had met her brother, Hugh, and that I was taking him to our Fall Fling. It meant so much to me that she was excited for me. We were like two giddy school girls, talking about it and making plans. I'm sure she could tell, I was smitten from the start, and she did all she could to help with the match making.

Some of my fondest memories over the next few years were of waking up early on the weekends at her mom's house for breakfast. Ms. Donna,(now~ my mother-in-law) would already be up making bacon, eggs and biscuits from scratch. Demetria and I would sit across the bar reading a magazine, or doing our nails, and the three of us would talk about everything. We have always been able to laugh and be silly together. I'm so lucky that way with my family. I have many friends, who are not close with their in-laws, and it can be very stressful at times. But, I know the Lord carved me out a special place in this family long ago, because He knew that I would need them to be so close and dear to my heart when I lost my own.

I am so thankful that the Lord has only strengthened and deepened the bonds of friendship and sisterhood between Demetria, myself and M.C., within the last year. I am so lucky to be able to draw upon the strength of these two beautiful women. They are my very own Steel Magnolias.

Many of you that occasionally read my blog already know Demetria, and what a wonderful woman she is. For those of you that don't, here is how I would describe her: daughter, sister, wife, mommy, friend, radiant beauty, crazy fun to be with, glamorous, stylish, hilariously funny, creative and talented, energetic, encouraging, warm and outgoing, comforting, supportive, sensitive, caring, artistic, intelligent, charming, engaging, endearing, talkative, expressive, sentimental, sophisticated, graceful, sometimes quiet and introspective, persevering, surviving, sassy southern girl.