My friend Erika and I met when I was twenty-four years old and working for the Catholic Church in California. Erika was 14 years old. We became friends through youth ministry and, through the years, have remained very close. I rented a studio from her parents, and we lived together when her parents moved. When I moved to France, and after Erika completed her studies, she moved to Marseille to work as an au pair for a woman I knew. Erika is like a sister to me. The funny thing is I often told her I hoped to have a daughter like her. Chelsea shares similar qualities and personality.
It makes me believe we are sisters in spirit.
Yann, my mom, and my children adore Erika, and so do my grandchildren.
Sacha used to call her "Erikakaka."
Having a friend, a dear friend, and a lifelong friend is a cherished gift. Having someone who knows you, truly knows the depths of you, who sees you and still likes you is beyond measure love define.
"Oh, the comfort—the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person,
having neither to weigh thoughts,
nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together;
Knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them—keep what is worth keeping—
And with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away."
Leave a Reply