For Catie, one of the most exciting prospects of visiting Nebraska is seeing her best friend, Kate. Even though these two live 800 miles from one another, and they only see each other a couple times a year, they have a bond.
Last night, they had a sleepover, which was relatively new for our family. Yes, Catie had her inaugral slumber party a couple weeks ago, but she’s never had a friend sleep at our house before (actually we’re at our family cabin, but you know.) She’s never been “responsible” for a friend in our family environment. She’s never had to explain the Hergenrader quirks to someone (we don’t use syrup for pancakes, my family goes to bed early, when my mom says we can’t go swimming until after the sun is up, she means it).
Catie’s had zillions of playdates, and usually when she reveals our family’s quirks, she’s greeted by blank stares from the guest. But Kate? Fit right in. Seriously, she was so good and sweet and so much like our family, there was none of the awkward “Wow. You guys are really weird. Can I call my mom to come and get me?”Not that syrup-free pancakes are THAT weird, but Kate was so relaxed with our family, she just accepted it all as fact. It truly was like the girls had been Best Friends Forever.
So, the sleepover was a relaxed, casual, and wonderful night. The two BFFS were in their own world…playing house, playing board games, baking Oreo pancakes, building Lincoln Log houses, using their skill and ingenuity to paddle the boat far into the lake to chase ducks, and giggling and talking constantly.
M and I were in awe of their compatibility. Seeing Catie have so much fun made me want to smuggle Kate back to Texas with us. And it made me think…how is this friend different than the others? Is it the appeal of a friend she only sees twice a year? Are Kate and Catie both such outstanding girls that they can play together for nearly twenty straight hours, talking about Jesus and how much they love their families?
And then I realized, that’s it. Having Kate here was like having family over. I’ve known her parents for decades…in fact I was closer to Kate and Catie’s age when I met them than I am now. I lived with Kate’s mom, Stacy. I’ve travelled with her. I’ve slept over at her parents’ house so many times that it was like my second-home during college. Stacy and I have stayed friends during the past turbulent decade of births and deaths and weddings and changes.
So, I know that Kate’s house is a lot like ours (except, I think they use syrup for pancakes). OF COURSE she fit right in. Also, we’re Kate’s Godparents and the Leimbachs are Catie’s Godparents. Our family has prayed for Kate every night. We send her gifts and (try to) remember her Baptism Birthday. It felt like having family over because these are the kind of things family does for each other.
And you know what that is?
That’s a fantastic recipe for these girls to be friends forever.
Even more fantastic than Oreo Pancakes.
Without syrup.
