“Your friends were once strangers.

Somehow at a particular time, they came from the distance toward your life.

Their arrival seemed so accidental and contingent.

Now your life is unimaginable without them.”

― John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

It is funny how God puts people in your path to remind you that He is never too far away.  I have known Kara Burgel since high school. It is hard to believe that I am two years older than her, but it is, in fact, true (ha ha).  A two year age difference in high school was enough to keep our paths from crossing too often. We went to different colleges. Our paths ran parallel to one another but never really converged until we both moved back to Sidney as young mothers. We started talking as we were waiting to pick up our kids from Bible School. We started talking that day, and according to our husbands, the conversation has never really stopped.

We share recipes, parenting ideas, and secrets. We have weathered health scares, potty training, and hangovers. We celebrate our children’s achievements, however big or small. We have diagnosed food allergies, bad attitudes, and good teachers. We have survived the first day of kindergarten and the first year of junior high- keeping watch fretfully as these little people we love so much learn to navigate the world.  We have borrowed Wilton Ware, soccer uniforms, and homework information. We talk about all things, from to do lists, to kids’ being over  scheduled, to whether or not Nick Newman should shave. We solve each other’s problems over a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine, depending on the time of day. We pray for our families, for those who are suffering, and the promise of heaven someday. We give thanks for quiet moments, healthy kids, and time spent at Sollmann Bar. We worry about our parents, our housework, and what our children will remember about us. We protect each other- fiercely.

Last year, for my birthday. Kara gave me a necklace with the phrase “Anam Cara” engraved on it. The phrase means “soul friends.”  That is exactly what we are. Happy Birthday, Kara.