I still remember riding bikes to the park at the end of the cul-de-sac. Me on the boys bike, borrowed from an unknowing little brother. And she on her bike (back when riding a bike was still on the agenda). The breeze in her red hair. The sky speckled with bright white clouds. The wind rustling the trees. Nothing really to do. No pressing schedules. Just me and her. And an afternoon all to ourselves.

Darlene. Saying her name brings back a flood of wonderful memories. Little did I know when I met her at our hometown church as a young child that some twenty years later we’d fly across the country and she’d drive a state over to spend time together.

We packed everything we owned and trucked it across the country. Funny how my Daddy would make a profession out of moving people cross-country later. Only this time it was us. I was excited. Scared. Anxious. The goodbye didn’t feel real. Surely I’d see Darlene next weekend. I turned nine on the road. It was the first year I remember not having her at my birthday party.

We went back to visit when I was in fifth or sixth grade. We missed “home”. Things still felt new in Ohio and weird. The accents still felt foreign. Why did everyone assume I knew how to surf? Darlene still felt like home. Funny how you can pick back up right where you left off with a few year gap.

Then came the news that she had saved her money. Not just for her ticket. But for her mom’s too. She came and visited. She stayed for many days. She watched me graduate High School. It was great to have my old friend back. There were no string attached. There was no guilt trip about lack of writing letters. There was no pressure. No expectation. Just her smile. And hugs all around. Good friends are like that. Even with years of “different worlds”.

I can’t quite remember if I found her on facebook or she found me. It’d been so long. College graduation. Marriage. And kid…. soon to be kids. I couldn’t believe it. That same beautiful smile. Those same bright eyes. That same welcome mat. Some things about people never change… especially when they’re so good.

A surprise package came in the mail. The thing weighed a ton. The box was the size of two of my toddlers. The neighbors must have enjoyed watching a very pregnant me drag it in from the strong July heat. The girls’ eyes were huge. I could barely believe my eyes as I read the tag. “From Darlene”. It was packed full of summer fun for the girls. Indoor summer activities. Things I could do with them while remaining in the air conditioning. Tears welled in my eyes. Her generosity stunned me.

And then another package silently came. Two days before my induction date. Hospital bags packed with goodies for the new big sisters and some precious outfits and a welcome-home wreath for our soon-to-be new addition. How could someone be so thoughtful? How could someone have such heart for little girls she had never even met? All I can say is… It’s just Darlene.

And then came our last trip. Funny how for a moment I was nervous. Would it be the same Darlene? She’s married now. And a big professional at work. I mean she travels. And I’m just a stay-at-home Mom. And it blew me away again… how easily she was thrilled to drive from a state away. “I’ll go wherever and do whatever. It’ll be great”. Her smile melted away all my doubts. I had forgotten in a moment who I was meeting up with. It’s Darlene for crying out loud. Darlene!

It was one of those days I wish never ended. Her smile is so contagious. Her heart so kind.

I wish my girls could find a friend like her in life. A friend who doesn’t disappear with distance. A friend who doesn’t just live in the past, but dares to create a present no matter how much time passes. A friend who just cares. No strings attached.

I can only pray I have been that friend to her as well.

My two favorite red-heads.

– Love ya, Darlene. You’re such a wonderful friend.