Turkey Sandwiches and Best Friends

I met my best friend Angela over a turkey sandwich on our last day of class during freshman year of college. I ran into a group of friends as I was walking to my car after my last final and they asked if I wanted to go to the campus cantina for lunch.  Being a true New Yorker, I wanted a deli sandwich.  I thanked them for the offer but said I was going to grab lunch at a deli right off campus.  I asked if anyone wanted to go there instead, and Angela, who I had just met, accepted my offer to come along.  We got sandwiches and sat on a bench by the deli and got to know each other.  We hit it off.  We almost had nothing and everything in common, if that make sense.  Instantly I had a friend crush but I played it cool.  This was college after all.  I didn't want to be a dork.

After the sandwich I dropped her back on campus and I went home to catch up on some much needed sleep.   I realized on the way home I forgot to get her number so we could keep in touch over the summer.  She lived 45 minutes from me so we could have hung out.  I was going to reach out to a mutual friend but was afraid Angela would think it was weird so I just hoped that I'd see her once our sophomore year started.

About 2 months later, I got a call from a number I didn't recognize so I let it go to voicemail.  It turned out that Angela got my number from a mutual friend and was just calling to say hi.  I called her back and we chatted for a bit and were both excited to see each other when school started.  We spent the whole of Sophomore year by each other's side and have been that way ever since.

I have travelled all over the country, even living as far as Alaska, and I have never doubted that she is there.  Even now when I live in San Francisco and she is in Middletown, NY, I know that I can pick up the phone and she is there.  When I am having a rough patch and can't seem to figure out what I am doing in my life, she is there to ground me.  Reminds me of what is important.  

She knows me better than I know myself.  She probably knew I was going to marry my husband even before I did. We have been through so many things in our lives as most best friends do.  Some of my scariest moments in life, moments when I had no idea how I was going to wake up and go one the next day, she has been there to help me pick up the pieces and been at my side to make that first step.










We have also been with each other through some amazing moments in life.
 
I got married in October of last year.  She was of course my Matron of Honor (she was actually the second call, after my family of course, that we made from Italy when we got engaged) and I have no idea how I would have gotten through planning a wedding without her.  There is a lot of emotions when you get married and it can be a little overwhelming.  She stayed with me the night before the wedding and I'll never forget waking up to her in my face, literally, with the biggest smile and screaming "you're getting married today!"  That moment is burned into my brain forever.

 

Photo by Jackie Pfeffer  

Angela gave birth to her first son, Austin John Strahl in August of 2010.  Watching her become a mother has been one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.  I can't put into words what has changed about her but it just makes me feel even more centered when I am around her.  When I get lost in the race of life, she reminds me what is really important.  Family, friends and living each day to the fullest. 

Last night at 9:34 EST, my God son and Angela's second child, was born.  Preston James Strahl.  I am already in love with him.  I love that Austin has a big brother.  I love that they can be partners in crime.  I can't wait to see the mess they get into.  

 

It's amazing how much a turkey sandwich changed my life.  I found my best friend, better half and sister and I can't imagine my life without her.

Congratulations on becoming a Mommy again.  You continue to amaze me in all you do and I can't tell you how thankful I am that you are in my life.