Andrea - my SMS/BFF

For those of you who know me pretty well, you have at least heard me talk about Andrea.

But if you haven't - let me tell you our story....

We first met early on in elementary school - just ask sometime how I made her cry - if only she knew I did what I did because I thought she was the coolest girl at school.

I really did.

I wanted to be her - just like her...

We became good friends, went to each others birthday parties, hung out at each others homes and went to church together. We stayed in touch through confirmation in middle school {I went to a different middle school for 7th and 8th grade}. Right before freshman year of high school, my mom took Andrea and I shopping in La Crosse for back to school clothes. We bought a matching set out outfits - same pants {same size too} and matching shirts. Then, as I joined the ranks in high school - I became her shadow - as in, her friends became my friends.

I would have been lost without her. Truly I would have - I honestly wouldn't be where I am today if Andrea wouldn't have brought me in like she did in 9th grade. Thank you Jesus for Andrea.

Throughout high school we didn't play the same sports, we weren't in the same clubs {until senior year} but she saw me through everything. We went to the fall and winter dances with the same group, she came to Florida with my parents and I to watch my sister perform in the parade at Disney and once I joined choir - we had that. Along with our small group at Pleasant Valley church.

Then, we graduated. When Andrea told me she was going to SCSU {where I was planning on gong} I was ecstatic. You see, I love this girl SO much and I knew that going to college with her would be wonderful. Even though I transfered to the U of M midway sophomore year - even though I missed her terribly, I still can't get enough of her.

We are very similar - and very different. But one thing that will always tie us together is something she taught me early on - sign language.

You see - at 14 months old Andrea contracted meningitis - causing her to loose much of her hearing. So through that, I was able to learn sign language from her and by watching her interpreters in class at the wonderful Madison Elementary School. When we would sit in class doing homework, {primarily in 6th grade} we would sign to each other - even from across the classroom. {Mr. Nelson knew - but never interrupted}

So why do I bring this up?? I have seen Andrea deal with her hearing loss as long as I can remember knowing her - through being teased, standing up for her, crying with her, going to hearing appointments with her and praying with her.

Now she is at a turning point. She has gotten to a place in her life where she may need to consider getting a Cochlear Implant {CI}. It's a huge decision. Please - where you are, just pray with us over her that she will have guidance, clarity and peace from God knowing that whatever choice she makes, it is good, right and He is with her.

After reading all this wonderful stuff about her - you may want to hear more - she just started a new blog - so you can follow her journey at: http://cochlearimplantforandrea.blogspot.com/

Andi - I love you. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I don't think you will ever fully know how much you have helped me become who I am today - even from miles away.

I love you and goodnight,
~K : )