I would love to say Jana and I were instant, fall in love with each other friends from the very first, but nope, it didn't happen that way. Her kids aren't the same age as mine or in the same friend groups and Jana is much younger then me (10 years younger to be exact ). She is not really in any organization or activity I participate in unless I drag her to them or volunteer her for something. We don't even go to the same church.
The first time I ever met Jana was at a PTO meeting at the park. She couldn't even listen to the meeting because her kids were running everywhere even in the parking lot. After at least the 50th time she got up she just decided to leave. I sent her a message afterwards thanking her for coming to the meeting because I know what it feels like to be the new person. She gave me her cell number in case I ever needed anything. Since I am terrible with names I entered her in my phone as Jana PTO Mother Runner because all she did was run after her kiddos.
As the years have gone by she has filled a void that I didn't even know I had. She makes me laugh, often makes me shake my head and is always the person I can cry with. She always makes me feel better when I'm having a bad day. When Jana is around, or on the phone, or even texting I know I'm not alone.
Jana has the most amazing talent. She can draw and paint anything. I can't tell you how many times the night before a event I would be like, Jana can you paint this and her answer was always yes. She has even painted signs in the rain for me. I would ask Jana to order something off Amazon because I don't have Amazon Prime and before I could even pay her she would order it. My phone needed a new battery and before I could even get to Bryan to get one she had ordered it and shipped it. She has helped me pick up the kids at school more times then I could count because I would almost run out of gas in the parking lot and I would catch a ride with her. Talking about gas she has even brought me gas on the side of the road a few times when I ran out and never made me feel bad about it. I have to admit I would accidentally leave my oldest at school and she would always pick him up. That is where she got her other nick name School Mom.
Landon's 10th birthday looked straight out of a Pinterest Board it was perfect all the signs she painted made that day extra special for him and his friends.
Payce and I were going to see Cinderella and she didn't have anything to wear and Jana came right over and hot glued her a fairy princess dress that cost us a $1.00 it was perfect and she looked just like Cinderella.
Not only is Jana very talented but she is STRONG! The things she does I could never do. She comes across as a tiny petite girl but she could take you down. I have seen her change her own tire on the side of the road and not even get dirty.
One of the most memorable things we ever did was enter the Centerville Christmas Parade just because. She painted the signs, I decorated and we put 6 kids on a trailer with a generator, candy, lights and BAM The Shatin's float was made. No orginization needed just friends enjoying life and each other.
Last week a few of our friends got together and had Jana and her kids a going away party. It was so good to be surrounded by people that love and want the best for her but we were all so sad that she is leaving.
Now that you know the reasons she is my Ride or Die friend and most of the reasons I will miss her let me just wrap up my friendship with Jana by sharing the biggest reason I am going to miss her so very much. I know she would fight a bear for me. I know she would be willing to lay down her life for me and that means more than anything.
To say goodbye to my friend has been a struggle . I just want to throw a fit and beg her not to go. I'm so sad my Ride or Die friend is gone. I am better for knowing her.
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