Happy Anniversary Shannon!

How lucky can I be? It was about one year ago that I met my dearest friend, and other half, Shannon.

We aren't really sure how it happened, but one fateful night at FHE I gave Shannon a ride, not knowing each other, and it started us down this wonderful road of friendship. We instantly became close friends and felt like we had been our whole lives. Most people in our ward thought that we had joined the ward together and had known each other before because we just clicked so well. When asked how we know each other we simply say "we have the same life." Not sure where that came from, but we are just so alike in so many ways that it just seems the easiest way to explain our unusual friendship.

Shannon is one of those amazing people that just draws you to her. She has the kindest heart, strongest spirit, silliest side (if you ever get to see it, your in for a treat), contagious laugh, and all around just an incredible person. Just being around her makes you happy and want to be a better person.

This past year we have both been through a lot, both on our own separate roller coasters of ups and downs, and we have been able to see each other through them all. I can't count the many times that Shannon delivered a much needed phone call, treat, visit, kidnapping, or night out just when I needed it most. She seems to have a knack for knowing just what I need, which is just one more thing that makes her such a good friend.

One of my favorite things about my friendship with Shannon is her initiation into my family. My family is a huge part of my life and Shannon has been absorbed right into that. Invitations to family events don't often come without a disclaimer to invite Shannon as well. She has become one of us (whether she likes it or not) and I think that all parties involved have benefited greatly. I know she is a good friend when she can survive a whole Thanksgiving weekend in St. George, multiple Sunday dinners, and countless family activities with the Jensen's.

I don't think that it is very often in life that we are able to find such a connection with someone. There is something so comforting in the understanding we have of each other, that even if it goes days (and sadly enough weeks) that we don't see each other, our friendship continues to thrive and beat on like we had seen each other the whole time. Shannon has been one of my greatest blessing this past year and I probably wouldn't have survived without her. I know the Lord is truly aware of me when He blesses my life with people like Shannon.

This next week our lives will both be taking different turns as we are both moving. I into my new house (Yay!) and her into an apartment in Salt Lake. No longer will we be in the same ward or a quick 3 minute drive from each other. Luckily I know that despite the change, Shannon will still be (and always will be) one of my best friends.