I'm not really sure where to start. I feel like I need to explain me a bit before I tell you about the most amazing woman/person I know.
I was a floater in high school. I could hang out with almost anyone but I never really felt like I had a HOME with any one particular group. Don't get my wrong I had some really amazing friends in High School some of those people I still talk to today. I somehow still always felt a little lost. I started working at a local restaurant and for me that is when I got to experience friendship like I have never known. I was introduced to my BEST FRIEND. Really it doesn't matter where you find that person but that you find a connection that bonds you for life and you know there is no looking back.
At first what attracted me to her was her ability to capture the attention of an entire room just by her presence. She is a petit girl but has an amazing ora about her that people are drawn to. If you have ever met Nicole you know that just by talking to her for a split second you have met someone really special. She can make conversation with anyone. If you thought you were someone who doesn't open up to people, there is no doubt you will tell her all of your secrets. She genuinely cares about what is going on in your life and will give you sound advice if you need it. I had never met anyone like her. It doesn't matter where you come from or how old or young you are she will make you feel like you matter.
In my eyes Nicole always had her priorities in check - Family and friends are most important and nothing has changed in 12 years. She has taught me so much.
Here are just a few of those life lessons:
The Universe works in mysterious ways. What you put out in to the world you will get back. Open a door for someone, smile at a stranger or pay for the coffee for the person behind you in line and it will come back to you ten fold. I have witnessed this on countless occasions while with her.
Nicole once told me "What will you remember 10 years from now - that day at work you weren't allowed to miss - or that funeral for so and so??" I have applied that to so many things in my life. What will I cherish and remember the most? The places I have gone or the people I have touched? (I will choose people every time!!)
I have never met a more honest and natural mother. To watch her with her kids is like watching a really good family comedy. There is so much love and humor that goes on in that house. I learn new and creative ways to teach my child on how to be an exceptional person by watching and listening to her with her kids. When I see Toad kissing and hugging his baby sister with so much love and pride, it melts my heart. That is a true reflection of how his parents have taught him to treat others. He shows this same love to all of our kids.
I love that there is no sugar coating in our relationship you tell it like it is and then we move on. I can call her and talk to her about anything with no judgement or ridicule. It is truly rare to find that kind of person. We laugh together, cry together, drink together and dance together. I have a bond with her for life.
One of Nicole's favourite quotes is "be the change you want to see in the world" she lives everyday with that on her mind and in her heart. In our world it is really hard for people to find the positive in anything. We live in a fast passed, electronic and non verbal (face to face conversation) generation. Nicole has been able to integrate all of those things and still finds time to call and see the people she loves. I have to say I learn everyday how to be a great friend, mother and wife by her example.
Our friendships are linked by one amazing human connection and that person is Nicole. We may have never maintained the relationships that we all have if it weren't for Nicole that is why I call her ~ the glue.
Words to describe Nicole are hysterical, great story teller, generous, loving, honest, playful, adventurous and a humanitarian. She will find the good in anyone. I mentioned that Pauline is an Angel on earth and I feel the same about you. Grateful doesn't even begin to describe what it means to have you in my life. I have so much love in my heart for you and your entire family that it makes me want to cry just thinking about it. Thank you is not big enough!! The only words that I know that are bigger then that are I LOVE YOU!
The word that I love to use the most to describe Nicole is FAMILY. I can not imagine my life without her in it. She brings me so much joy, encouragement and makes me want to be a better person every day.
Thanks for being my Oprah!!
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