I couldn’t believe that after so many years we were sitting across from one another chatting as though no time had passed at all. We were so young when she moved away with her family and so much of our lives needed to be caught up on. We went back and forth, asking questions, sharing details and laughing at memories of our childhood.
My trip to California last week was not only about keeping my promise to the girls; I think God also wanted me to reconnect with my friend Julie, whom I hadn’t seen in over 25 years.
She had sent me an email a couple of weeks ago and I asked if she lived close to Disneyland ~ yes, only 10 minutes away.
As we sat across the table we connected in ways we never did in our care-free youth. For the first hour we caught up on college, relationships, marriages and having our kids. Of course I wanted to know about her older brother, my childhood crush. I still have my diary from that time, his name is written a hundred plus times with lots and lots of hearts.
She told me how her heart grieves for my loss, she has a daughter a year younger than Anna. She said that she has been praying for Tom and I, I told her that we have definitely been feeling those prayers. I believe that somedays that is how I get out of bed in the morning – the prayers of many lifting me up.
She shared with me about her walk with God and how my circumstances impacted that walk greatly. She said God had been knocking at her door for awhile and on October 20th she heard Him loud and clear. The next day, unable to go to work, she found herself at a church she had been thinking about going to. She was holding her daughter tightly as she walked through the doors unable to make sense of Anna and Abigail going to Heaven. The pastors prayed with her ~ God wrapped his loving arms around her and she let Him. I am so happy she let Him.
I am so blessed to have Julie in my life and to have had this opportunity to catch up with her. I can’t wait for many more visits and memories that we will share and I love that our friendship has been renewed by God.
Julie is now, not only my friend, but my sister in Christ. We will be in eternity together one day, and there she will get to meet my girls.
love-drenched-life.com 
Love the picture. That is how i remember all of you. Reconnecting with old friends is the best. And, who didn’t have a crush on her older brother? I sure did.
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I have a feeling this isn’t the first, and wont be the last we hear of others coming to Christ because of your story. What a reunion in heaven when we can see the end result! I love you Susan! I am so happy for Julie too! God is good! Reminds me of the song “Already There” By Casting Crowns.
From where You’re standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life
And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture perfect plan
When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You’re already there
You’re already there
One day I’ll stand before You
And look back on the life I’ve lived
I can’t wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit
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Love this song Jamie!!! Love you!!
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That is a great story of God’s love and care ….for both of you!
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I loved to hear about your reunion. Nothing more comforting than an old friendship. Still hoping for our girls trip.
Ps – love the picture
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What a blessing to renew your friendship and for God to have used your girls to draw your friend to His heart.
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Just the way it outta be !!
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