Framily.

Let me tell you a little story.

Once upon a time, there lived two next-door neighbors who were the very best of friends: Lynette and Shelly. Through laughter, and tears, they built the foundations of a lifelong friendship. They took long walks during the day, had barbeques at night, gardened in the backyard, (one hard at work, the other watching). Their husbands even shoveled the snow off each other’s driveways in the winter.

As time went on, each had three kids; two of them were born only a few months apart. What were their names? Daniel and Danielle. Better known as D-Squared.

The friendship of Lynette and Shelley evolved. There were now play dates; watching the kids playing in shallow plastic pools, setting up crafts, digging in the sandbox (where most of the time was spent yelling,  “Don’t pour the sand onto the grass!”). Holiday parties, parades (strollers and bikes decorated)…life was good.

It would seem that nothing could bring them apart, until one day Danielle’s dad (Lynette’s husband) was transferred across the country for his job. Daniel and Danielle grew up. They are now adults studying their future careers (both to be teachers, actually). They even go by different names: Dan and Dani. And yet still, after 12 years and 3,000 miles of separation, they still make a point to stay in contact.

Friends? Nah. Family? Not by blood. Framily.

I had the great pleasure of a weeklong visit from my framily last week. It stinks that they have to live so far away, but it is always so wonderful when we get the chance to meet up again. I can say that Shelly is one of the most incredible women I have ever met. She makes a point to lift up and encourage everyone around her, and has the most amazing gift of creativity that she always uses to brighten someone’s day.  She is one of the few people who kept in contact with me while I was abroad, writing without fail even when I forgot or was too busy to respond. I am blessed to be able to say that she is not only a wonderful friend to my mom, but to me also. Daniel is still the same goofball he was when I left him 12 years ago. He is witty and never afraid to be honest. He can make anyone laugh with just a few words, and I am so thankful he flew so far to come visit.

Left: The two dads and D-Squared. Right: Shelly look at us!

And so, here is a shout out to my framily from Minnesota. I love you and miss you Nemitz family. Until this summer…J