love.

We were just two silly girls in high school, bonded by your friend and my hard core crush.

 We became friends and talked of firsts and boys and very little of actual school.

I watched you fall in love. The good, lasting, real kind of love.

The kind that would last. You've taught me so much about love.

You were my friend right away. You were there for me when I needed you. 

Through our friendship you were often the one person who was on my side on matter what.

To tell me that what I was feeling was OK. And let me be myself and just have fun with me.

We grew closer through college and still I watched the progress of your love.

At times it confused me, but I never questioned it.
I knew it was right for you even at times when I couldn't tell if you were 100% sure yourself.
The love you expressed to me never changed. Sometimes we would not see each other. But when we were back together it was one of those friendships that felt like we just picked up where we left off

and always laughed about everything we'd been through.

Eventually you married the man you'd always loved.

Ever teaching me what love was all about, by showing me.

 

Tonight I held the product of your love in my arms. Your sweet baby girl. She is perfect.

So that's what got me thinking.

I know without a doubt that you are going to be a fantastic mom.

I know this because even now you're teaching me about love.

When I saw you again for the first time in a few years

and explained about my life choices you didn't judge,

you didn't preach, you didn't tell me I was bad and wrong.

You told me you still loved me because I'm still Julie.

You may never realize how big of a deal that was for me to hear.

I can just imagine that sweet baby girl coming to her mom

when she's really struggling and her getting that same love

and confirmation that she is good.

And that will make all that difference in her life.

She will feel safe and loved and free to be herself.

I'm proud to be your friend.

And of course a fake Auntie to that baby cakes!