Frenz 4 Eva*

*"Frenz 4 Eva" - What elementary school kids in Hawaii would write across their folders and homemade, paper-bag textbook covers with pastel-colored markers. This bold declaration was surrounded by their friends' names, dozens of little hearts and often unicorn or foil-star Sandy Lion stickers.

On a recent trip to Chicago I had the chance to visit my good friend, Lori. We went to high school together and kept in touch through college but the last time we saw each other in person was over ten years ago at her wedding. Since then we've exchanged emails and Christmas cards and an occasional phone call, but haven't had the chance to see one another. A few days before our visit, I called Lori to confirm that everything was still on. I dialed her number on my cell phone, but before I pressed the call button, I paused. I couldn't help but think, What if this call is awkward? What if too much time has passed and we've grown too far apart? What if we don't have anything to talk about?!? I couldn't believe how nervous I was...

Only a few minutes into the conversation, however, I was laughing and smiling. I quickly remembered why were such good friends as we talked well over an hour, forcing ourselves to hang up because we'd be seeing each other in a few days.

We spent a beautiful Mother's Day together, enjoying a delicious brunch that she and her husband prepared and watched our little boys romp in the yard together with their dogs. It was a wonderful way to celebrate friendship and motherhood and it was so very hard to leave.

With Lori and Kenji

Hapa Haole Boys: Sean, Kenji, Kyle

WARNING: Cheese Alert!

I think that good friendships are like precious gems. They are rare and often hard to find. They aren't worn as much as the day-to-day jewelry and may even be tucked away in a safe for a few years, but their brilliance doesn't fade. When you pull them out, you find that they shine just as bright as the day you found them and you marvel at their beauty. I'm so grateful for the good friends I've discovered over the years. Thank you for making my life rich.