I never knew I needed a friend like her.

She and I are alike in so many ways that sometimes, it’s flat-out scary.

And, sometimes, she pushes me to be someone else that’s outside of my cookie cutter formation. It’s incredible to have a friend who challenges you and asks the “why” after you make a statement.

We’re neighbors. Just a day or two after we moved into our house here in Lake Linganore, Maryland, I met Kaitlin on opposite sides of our fence and it was so easy. I loved how outgoing she seemed and how easy it was to have a conversation with her. Kaitlin has two little girls who have become regular fixtures at our house and in our yard. I love that our kids love each other and I so enjoy our adventures together, whatever they may be. 

Fun fact: Kaitlin actually got bit by a dog during our first conversation at that fence. (She was OK) But, seriously — go and find yourself someone who will get bitten by a canine during a convo with you. 

I always laugh with her. I love venting with her. I love surprising her with gifts in the makeshift mailbox on the corner of that fence. I love when she treats me to an iced coffee or watches the kids for an hour so I can focus on a phone call for work. Even in the times when we’re sitting on my deck, sobbing and listening to emo music from our childhoods, I still walk away feeling lighter and better. We can do nothing or everything and it always feels like a relief. 

We share plant seeds, wine bottles, secrets and SO many laughs.

Kaitlin is also one of the toughest people I have ever known. She deals with a slew of medical issues, works as a nurse in an ER, is buff as heck in the gym, handles the kids alone for days at a time and still gives a shrug of her shoulders and does it all over again the next day. 

She tells me all the time that she’s not used to people being nice to her and says she doesn’t deserve a friend like me.

I call that nonsense. She deserves the world.

She’s tough, opinionated, gorgeous inside and out and is truly one of the most important people in my life. I’m so grateful for our friendship. 

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