Thankful Thursday: The Gift of Friendship

I don't have a little sister but, if I did...

I'd want her to be just like this special lady.

Three and a half years ago this stunning, young woman walked into my office and told me about herself. I knew instantly that she was not only the most qualified, polished, well-spoken and competent person we had interviewed for the open position, but that we were going to be fast friends.

Shortly after that first day, she and I decided to move to a new firm together and we have been working side by side there for the last 3 years. She saw me through my pregnancy and my whining while studying for the various licenses I needed to acquire in a short time frame for our new employer.

I smiled proudly as I watched her sail through her studies with ease and grace under pressure, as usual. I remember waiting in anticipation here (biting my nails) hoping all was going perfectly with the gorgeous ceremony she planned the week she and her fiance (now hubby) eloped to Mexico in a romantic whirlwind.

We share travel ideas, blog talk, Hollywood gossip, the love of photography and family, dieting and recipe ideas, fashion (her fashion sense and my fashion nonsense!) and so much more.

We've both had our ups and down in our own lives outside the office over the years but for me, I always knew I could count on Maddy being right there in my corner with just the right words and a hug...no matter what.

She is one of the most dedicated, hard working, honest, loyal, patient and genuinely kind people I know. She runs circles around everyone in the office both in skill and personality...but then again, she did that the first week we were there!

Capability and class...you either have it or you don't...
and this gal has ooddles of both to spare.

She is wise beyond her twentysomething years and

so truly thoughtful and generous.

She is a wonderful wife and the best big sister to her 3 younger siblings
that I have ever seen. EVER.

She is a role model for putting others before herself and that is her biggest flaw...that she often skimps on my friend Madeline in favor of others.

If I had to describe her in one sentence, I'd have to say she is a true gem;

one of those people who enriches your life just by being present in it.

Today, I am stepping out of my comfort zone

and moving on to a new adventure.

The hardest thing about doing this is knowing that I will not be

seeing my sweet friend Monday through Friday.

She has been the brightest and best part of each workday

and I always knew she had my back (both on and off the court)

no matter what was going on.

Lucky for me my MaddyGirl only lives a few minutes away from me and

I keep up to date on the happenings in her life by following her fabulous blog,

The Maddy Chronicles.

Madeline, I will miss you terribly but know this:

you're stuck with me forever and to me,

you will always be the little sister I never had.

Thank you for every single thing you have done for me these last 3 1/2 years.

Thank you for the wonderful gift of your friendship!

I love you dearly.

Dita Darling