Almost exactly 16 years ago, my doorbell rang. We had only lived in the house for 24 hours, so who could it be? We opened the door and my family’s life changed forever. She stuck out her hand, said, “Hi, I’m Vickie, we live next door.” I’ve loved her every minute since. In so many ways we couldn’t be more different. I’m a major introvert (it would’ve taken months for me to do what she did) She thrives on meeting and engaging people. We both though have a passion, better yet deep compassion for others. Throughout our friendship I have watched her recognize a need be it physical, emotional or spiritual and endeavor to fill it or find the resources to. It is my joy whenever I can be part of that. Believe me you want THIS WOMAN on the journey of life with you.

One of the differences between us though is that I love to cook and she DOES NOT. Over this past year I have watched in awe as she has overcome a lifelong avoidance of cooking whenever possible and a love for eating out and move to preparing and carrying with her every morsel she consumes. She is a champion at it now. She still doesn’t love it. I hope to change her mind about that one day. But she knows that in this broken world we only get one body and she has determined to heal hers naturally.

Watching her do anything has also been an inspiration to me, but this past year more than any other has moved me to self- examination and recognition of my own need for healing. I’ve struggled with blood sugar issues, weight gain from all my pregnancy that has stuck around, chronic insomnia, 30 years of migraines, hormone and especially gut issues. I am done! The Lord has used Vickie’s journey not only to heal her, but to show me the pieces of my own puzzle. The things I listed above are not all separate issues, but one – a body crying out for help and peace. I am so sorry to have watched my dearest friend suffer and bear this burden all these months, but incredibly grateful for the revelation it has allowed me to arrive at and find the beginning of my own journey. I’m not as goal driven as she is and this will be much harder than I am able to manage, but it is necessary and it is good! I’m excited and terrified, but I have my favorite friend going ahead of me and the Maker of the Universe ahead of her! Let’s go!