We met in eighth grade. We shared secrets and got into trouble together. We were best friends throughout high school.
As the years and miles grew between us, our lives grew apart. Stephanie was killed, a victim of a senseless crime. Years
have past since her death, but I still think of her as full of life. I am proud to have known her and
feel privileged to call her a girlfriend. My regret, is that I allowed time and distance to get in the way and to dilute
our friendship.
And now I am reminded that even in our cluttered lives, it is important to stay close to the women friends who
know us and who have shared in our experiences. Their friendship supports and sustains us
in an unpredictable world.