Dear Monica H.,

I know we haven't talked in a while, in fact, I think the last time we talked you were telling me about some major things going on in your life. At that moment I felt bad. How could I have let so much time pass? But I want to take this time to say, "Thank you!" I don't think I expressed enough how much it meant for you to be so nice and kind when it seemed like no one was on my side. You really made my time being a cheer coach so much easier (especially my last year coaching while I was pregnant!). I appreciate you always letting me vent out my frustrations and you offering wise advice. Also, thanks for supporting my decisions when many parents wouldn't. At times some of those moments were unbearable, but you helped me get through them. I can't thank you enough for that. Now that I am a mother myself the friend relationship we have means so much more. I admire how your children are focused and did well in high school and moved on to big and great accomplishments in college. I have no doubt that they had a great influence from you. So I would love to catch up with you. I have many things to share with you and I would like to hear your perspective. *smile* I look forward to catching up with you soon.

Take care,
Shannon (Coach Shaw)

Dear Marsha P.,

My dear friend Marsha. I am so glad I made your acquaintance. We met at DLP, my first weekend actually in Athens, Ga. Six, Seven, Eight!!!! I met your husband Leslie before I met you and when he told me about you I knew I was going to fall in love.  What I have treasured the most about our friendship is how when we were active in DLP we didn't see each other until the summer months. But when we saw each other during the DLP weekends we didn't skip a beat. It was like we had never left each other from the previous summer. I think that is amazing because back then we weren't even doing the Facebook thing... LOL! Then, I stayed a weekend in Arkansas with you and Leslie and I had so much fun! Thanks so much for being such a great host. It's very few times that I meet someone who means what they say and say what they mean, and you truly do. In fact, I love how you actually say things that I am thinking. One day we were talking and you said, "Can I be authentic with you?" And then you made this statement about yourself that was so honest and real. I have to tell you Marsha, it was so refreshing because I often feel the exact same way, but never have the guts to be real and say it out loud. But you did... thank you so much! I know we won't talk everyday or every other day, but I know when we speak, it will be right where we left off. Thanks so much for being my very authentic friend and supporting everything I do.

Love,
Shannon