I held it together last night a lot better than I thought I would. But seeing her house packed before we ate our last meal at her kitchen table broke my heart.

⁣⁣This is Cheryl – she’s 30 years old than me + one of my best friends. She came into my life the day I opened Farm Girl in 2014 and has been a constant since. My biggest blessing God will probably ever give me through my store is Cheryl. She knows everything about me and loves me anyway, despite my flaws. She’s prayed me through the toughest times in my life. She’s rallied around Zack + I in our marriage and parenting. She’s weeped and celebrated with me.⁣⁣⁣

The last few years, we’d meet at a local coffee shop on Thursdays and she’d teach me how to study scripture. Like really dig deep, cross reference, understand the context, etc. Studying a book at a time, we’d dissect each verse. We’d talk about our week, everything going on in life, and pray together. Some days we would even skip studying to chat because we needed the girl talk. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

She invested in me. Fully. Wholly. Transparently. No judgment. She’s loved me through each season, giving me her time, wisdom, and counsel. I’ll forever be grateful for our friendship. She + Irby opened their home to our family and discipled us. They showed us a foundation we aspire to lay for our own children. They supplied their time and skills to make our new shop what it is. They’ve taught us, fed us, and prayed fervently for our family.⁣ They have been the church and have always pointed us toward Jesus.

⁣⁣⁣I pray everyone has the chance to have a Godly friendship like the one we have. And if you can’t find a Cheryl, be one. It takes time and sacrifice, but it’s beautiful and rich. She’s made me a better follower of Christ, a better wife, mom, and friend.

I know this isn’t goodbye but I sure will miss our weekly (sometimes multiple times a week) visits. I cherish our memories and will have to just learn how to get really good at zoom. I’ve already claimed one of the rooms in their new house for the weekends too. (Sorry Irby, you can’t get rid of me that easy.)

⁣⁣⁣⁣I love you, Cheryl! You’ve changed my life and I thank God every time I think of you.