The commitment is real! I cannot believe we’re heading into March- and week 8 of #52WeeksA4A is coming to a close. And this week is not stumping me as the others have, but making me rather cautious. See, when I write about myself, I am not concerned, but when I share about someone else, I am taking my writing, my public life and our relationship and sharing it with the world (eeeer… whoever dares to read it).
So, I chose to write about a woman who dug me out of a place I wasn’t sure how I’d gotten to. Kelli.
Kelli and I met in the choir room in my first week of school at Upper Moreland. I’d just changed from private school, where I’d started in 7th grade (the same year my Dad passed), and had decided mid-way through my freshman year, didn’t work for me anymore. Previously, I’d been at another private school which ended in 6th grade, seemingly along with my confidence and most of my innocence. When I started public school, I had no friends. I’d met a boy on AOL (!) who worked at Acme and went to Upper Moreland. I dated him (hello 15 year old Chelley + boy troubles) and then broke up with him. I’d been playing field hockey with the high school team for pre-season, but my short purple hair, propensity for cursing and cigarette habit wasn’t forming the best bond.
So, as I sat in choir, this pathetic and depressed punk, and she sat with me and said hi. Our friendship was that simple. And yet, complicated.
Over the years boys, beers and brawls (emotional, never physical) have passed between us, but never distrust or hurt. I’ve loved the girl who had the courage to befriend the freak since day 1, and could not imagine how I would have survived high school without her. Kelli has been there through thick and thin, from my passing out at her graduation during the National Anthem to prom dates, my college graduation, breakups, drunken nights, wedding photos, hospital stays, birthday parties, kids crying and every single time I’m back “home” in Philadelphia, she makes time to see me us.
Kelli has taken my family as her own, enjoying a glass of wine while we all reminisce, dream and chatter around the dinner table. Sending cards to my girls for the holidays. Remembering how much we love mod podge and the time we went to Blockbuster (remember Blockbuster?) with me looking like a lady of the night. Our 15 years of friendship has spanned a lifetime of schooling, jobs, breakups, parties, car accidents, mix tapes, babies… and I cannot wait to see where the next 15 takes us.
Love you, KelBell (AFF).
Tell me about a friend in your life this week, for #52WeeksA4A Blog Challenge and don’t forget to link up below!
This is so sweet! I want to see a purple hair pic:-). I like the way you gave a background of your friendship, I should have done that too! Great friends are the best. Thanks for hosting this link up so I can shine some light on that!
Angie recently posted…Blogger Love #3
I have to dig them up! Some day I’ll have to do a hairstyles of Chelley post!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a great challenge! And your timing in picking your friend coulnd’t be better, as we’re beginning to celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8). Congratulations on having someone so wonderful in your life!
Who knew?! Thanks for sharing that!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I had a best friend that I did everything with. He died when I was 14, and it hit me really hard. I’ve often wondered if we would have remained as close as you and your friend if he’d lived or if we would have drifted apart.
I’m so sorry for your loss- that is so hard to think about whatifs with those we’ve lost.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a sweet tribute to friendship! Everyone needs a friend like this in their life.
Dawn recently posted…Simple and Slow: Brisket with Sweet Onions
Kelli is amazing <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I have a friend like this. The funny thing is that we’re both named Jen, so all of our other friends just started calling us by our last names.
Jennifer recently posted…Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
That’s so funny! We rhyme (Chelley and Kelli), so people used to get confused!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
My friend and I have been bonded at the hip since middle school. It’s such a wonderful feeling!
Melissa Pezza recently posted…My Interview with Scott Adsit (Baymax) from Big Hero 6!
It really is!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a wonderful post! My best friend and I have been a huge part of each other’s lives for as long as I can remember. It’s so nice to know there’s someone out there you can count on no matter what.
Courtney recently posted…Interview With Scott Adsit – The Man Behind Baymax of Big Hero 6 + Baymax Himself! #BigHero6Bloggers
It’s so needed in this day and age… the world is so big, we can get lost without our one anchor!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I have a best friend from childhood that I’ve known since I was 2. We just got together for our 50th birthdays. It was wonderful. Only she and I “get it” when we laugh about our siblings and parents.
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! On a Diet recently posted…Healthy Green Goddess Dip
That is AMAZING! I hope we celebrate our 50th birthdays together!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
My best friend and I have been friends since we were in elementary school–that is awesome that you two have remained close through thick and thin! It takes a lot, as an adult, to keep a good relationship with a childhood friend!
That is really true- especially when one moves 300 miles away!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
This is so sweet. I wish I could say I’ve had a friendship that lasted this long. I didn’t meet some of my best friends until college. Now we all love in different places so I don’t get to see them nearly enough.
That’s hard! I wish I had more friendships from college… but I’m blessed with the friends I know and love!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a wonderful friendship! I don’t have one that has lasted this long. I wish I would have kept in touch.
Melissa recently posted…Fight Fevers with FeverAll® Acetaminophen Suppositories
Friendships are hard!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I really enjoy reading your post about this challenge! Everyone needs a friend like that in their life!
Autumn @Mamachallenge recently posted…Five Reasons to Use Vitamin E Oil Right Now
I agree. I Have friends, but I don’t have one best friend like that. I wish I did.
I wish we lived closer… I know it would be much different! (In a good way)
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Ah it’s so nice to have friends like this that stand the test of time through all the stages and phases life throughs at us. At this point, there’s no breaking up this friendship. She should feel very honored to read this. Friendship is a sacred thing.
Heather recently posted…Link Up Your #Giveaways!
I told her I was writing about her, and I know she felt good. Even though we don’t talk as much as we used to, we are the first one the other calls in good and bad times, and I am so thankful for that.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
You are lucky to of found a good friend. Good friends are hard to find.
Tess recently posted…Where dat Llama go? Funny tweets about The Great Llama Escape
That is very true.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Aw…that is so sweet. Having “that” friend can make such a difference in our lives. I loved how it started, the new kid calling themselves punk finds a life long friend 🙂
<3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
That is really a great story of friendship. Some of my closest friends from childhood I rarely see now, but when we get together it’s like the time hasn’t even passed.
Chrysa recently posted…St. Patricks Day Rainbow Treat Bags with FREE Printable
That’s the best!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a wonderful friend. This challenge sounds like a lot of fun!
Felissa @ Two Little Cavaliers recently posted…Going Green For the Approaching Spring
Join in if you can! Even for just a week!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I love challenges like these. You learn so much about a person.
Dawn McAlexander recently posted…Habits Of Pet Bloggers On Social Media {Infographic}
And the person learns a lot about themselves!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I love all the pics that you shared of you and your friend. It’s nice to be close for someone for so long of a time.
Stacey – Travel Blogger recently posted…Groupon Getaways: Cure Your Vacation Rut with Great US & International Destinations #MyGrouponGetaway
It really is!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
That it is!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I can name very few people that I have been friends with for 15 years. That is remarkable.
Krista Blackburn recently posted…Lemon Curd Mini Pie
I don’t have too many, but I am seeing that I have a few, and for that I am eternally grateful!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a fun challenge!! Its rare to find friends like this she sounds so amazing!
Vera Sweeney recently posted…Tide He Turbo And HE Washing Machines: The Education
She really is!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
This is so sweet. We all need that one person in our lives. A while back there was a quiz going around Facebook to see who knew you best. My best friend and my husband were the only 2 that could answer every question about me beating out both my father and sister. Your besties are family.
the pinterested parent recently posted…Science Experiments With Water
YES they are! For sure!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I wish I had a friend like that. I hardly talk to anyone from high school.
I have found most of the rest of my high school to be useless. lol. I have had friends that I still talk to, but one suddenly stopped talking to me (I think he’s getting married, so somehow we can’t be friends), and another… I love her and she’s amazing, I just think she’s insanely busy teaching, being in love and finishing a higher degree!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
That feels really good to have long lasting friendships. Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories.
Stefani Tolson recently posted…I Am On My Way To The Cinderella Premiere In Hollywood & More #CinderellaEvent
It does feel good!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Beautiful!
Crystal recently posted…House Walking to Torch Calories
Thank you, Crystal!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Awe, that is the sweetest, so happy you have such a dear friend. Sounds like you two share a lot of great times!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Adding to the Chaos – Our Family of 5 + Puppy
We do, have and will!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
A true good friend is one you want to hold onto and never let go. Great story!
Never will! Thank you!!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
This is a great challenge. I love the list.
Debbie Denny recently posted…Which Side Matters In The Bedroom!
Join in!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a beautiful story of friendship. Makes me want to call my bestie 🙂
<3 I have done that a few times... I'll read a post someone write and it makes me want to call that same person in my own life!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I think everyone deserves an awesome friend like yours, we moved around a lot so establishing a friendship like this was hard for me, but at least I have my sister.
That’s hard… but sisters are amazing friends!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I love this challenge! I’m going to try and participate!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy recently posted…Project 52 | Week #8 – Outtake
I hope you do, Amy!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a beautiful and true friendship that has lasted through thick and thin. I hope she reads this enjoys it as much as I do. 🙂
Me too! <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
I love this challenge and what a great week!
I hope you join in for a few weeks, Lisa!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
Aaw true friends are hard to find and those you’ve had since forever are the best! Sounds like a long awesome friendship! 🙂
Daytodaymoments recently posted…Big Hero 6 -Baymax Themed Brunch #BigHero6 #FunLunchforKids #d2dKids
It really is!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a great challenge. I have a best friend that I’ve known for 15 years and we talk almost every single day. I don’t know what I’ll do without her.
Amanda Love recently posted…My 2014 Toddler New Year Resolutions Update
Right?! It’s so hard to imagine life without them. I am so glad I don’t have to!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
It’s so great to have a friend like that! No matter how much time passes it still seems just like yesterday right?
Maggie recently posted…Evian Facial Spray Giveaway!
YES! So right!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
This is so sweet! Makes you think of those close to you and want to weed out the new genra of friendships…Such as facebook friends. Given that though I’ve made some great friednship with local moms that I’ve met on Facebook.
{Erica}EverythingMomandBaby recently posted…Clek Foonf: The ultimate in safety and cool design in car seats
Me too! There’s always room for more… just gotta love those besties from the days of old!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a great friendship you have. The two of you are so lucky to have each other in your lives. Best of luck to the two of you in this challenge.
Celeste Wong recently posted…Valentine’s Day Keepsake Footprint Craft
Thank you, Celeste!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
What a lovely tribute to your friendship! A great friends is truly a treasure!
Barb W. recently posted…25 Best Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day
They really are, Barb!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday