Dear Colleen: A Letter to The One Who Cracked My Code {Day 31}

Dear Colleen,

I meant to send you this thank you months ago, but never did. Guess it’s better late than never, right?

Our relationship was natural from the start. You made me comfortable in my own skin, and I had a great sense of who you were. We understood each other without much effort.

We have very similar personalities, and broadly speaking, we’re on similar journeys right now. But the details and technicalities of our lives are vastly different. Perhaps God crossed our paths so we could see ourselves reflected in the other. Perhaps God crossed our paths so we could understand one another. Perhaps God crossed our paths so we could use our unique perspectives to impact and shape each other’s lives in a way that no one else could.

Whatever His reason, I’m REALLY grateful you came into my life, Colleen.

And here’s what I wanted to thank you for last spring, but never did.

You know those times we met for lunch and talked and talked? Those were by far the best conversations I’ve had with a woman for at least 15 years. I’ve not trusted a woman that deeply, been as authentic with a woman to that extent for a LONG, LONG time.

It might be me, it might be circumstances, or it might just be this time of life with little ones. But I’ve been busy, weary, worn down. I’ve felt out of the loop for sure, and at times, I’ve felt misunderstood. I’ve not been good at long distance friendships, and I’m only half-good with ones right in front of my face. I know I can be a little mysterious upon first meetings, and I know it takes a just-right scenario for me to open up and be completely authentic.

So, Colleen. I’m grateful you’re the one that finally cracked my code. You know just how to probe, just how to engage in a way that makes me trust, believe you really care and want to know. And I feel the same for you. It’s an equal friendship, a back and forth, so I don’t feel like I’m doing all the taking or giving.

We haven’t gotten nearly as much time together as I’d like. We’re both in seasons of transition, you more than me at the moment. But I really wanted you to know that you’re dear. I’ve been so blessed by you, and I hope there’s nothing that will separate us for a while. Because I want to keep working this out and moving this friendship forward. You’re an amazing woman, and I’m honored to call you friend.

With all sincerity,

Amy

P.S. Did you like the picture, Colleen?! Brenda shot this one for me incognito! 🙂

*If you’d like to read more from my #31Days Letters to the Unthanked series, click here for the landing page where all the letters are listed and linked!

  1. Vicki says:

    I love this post and can so relate!

    I haven’t had “real” friendship for a long time. I had given up on trusting women. Then about a year and a half ago God opened the door for me and I walked through and it has been such a blessing.

    Thanks for sharing!

    • Amy says:

      Vicki, I remember you sharing about a new friend when we were chatting at the (in)RL table last spring. Is that the friend you’re referring to? What a blessing you’ve received in her. So glad you found each other!

  2. Colleen Schroeder says:

    Wow Amy! I am so honored! Your expression of our friendship is spot on. I feel the same way about you–no surprise since we are so similar! I miss our lunch conversations and am totally due for another one. Lets plan one soon!

    • Amy says:

      Colleen, so glad you found time to read the post despite your crazy week! Yes, I’m feeling WAY overdue for another lunch conversation. Maybe we can plan one between now and Christmas?! I’ll be in touch. 🙂

  3. Monica Anderson Palmer says:

    That’s awesome! Such sweet gifts theLord gives us!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.