I met Andrea Howerton Schnaubelt in San Diego about 7 years ago. We were both in the mothers' room at church nursing our babies and she was saying hello, welcome to the area and do you scrapbook? :) We were instant friends, I don't remember ever getting to know her, I just already did.
One bad thing about the military is losing friends very quickly. Moving isn't the most fun when good friends are involved. Andi and her family moved to Maryland right after Abby was born, about 7 years ago. We kept in touch by phone and for a while, instant messaging. During the days, instead of racking up phone bills, we chatted via Yahoo instant messaging. We'd send those funny little icons a bunch, my favorite was the little bat and hers the little puppy. So, we of course had to name those little "call signs". My little bat was Marco, and her little puppy was Sparky...thus was born the lasting friendship of Sparky and Marco...which we call each other to this day.
The years have been tough for Andi, but through it all, she makes me feel like I'm her most important friend, no matter what's going on in her life. She's an amazing, inspiring woman and I love her with all my heart.
After all this time, we are finally close enough for a visit. She lives in NC and us in VA, so we couldn't pass up a day's drive for some time together. Last week, David was going on a band trip, so I packed up the kids and the truck and we drove to Andi's in NC.
It was like we saw each other a month ago.
Our visit was wonderful and I couldn't bear to see it end, but we will definately be going back!
Our kids had a great time together, especially those two babies we had when we met, Ethan and Jacob...best buds, instantly!
I'm so grateful for friends. Thank you, Sparky!
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