My first memory of meeting Natasha, was in the Pre-K pick up line.  My first born and her sweet Madison are in the same class and we were both missing our kiddos.  Two things I noticed immediately, 

1.  This lady loves her kids....

Not in that annoying, "my kids could never do anything wrong" type. Rather the "I'll do anything to give them a future filled with hope and promise"...the "I'm going to be your biggest fan type of love."  And I'm pretty sure when you look up the definition of "Mama Bear," the face of Natasha pops up on the screen.  

The second thing I noticed...

This man right here is her rock.  

They do life together.  Because, there is no other way.  

I'm in awe every time I get to hear bits and pieces of their story, and thankful I get to be a small part of it as their friend.  

This family is crazy about each other.  The commitment Darren and Natasha have lived toward each other is evident in their kid's lives. Their kids see the certainty of their parents sacrificial love and it is giving them a foundation of a hopeful future.  

Keep it up, you two.  

And yes, I want an invite to your 20th anniversary vowel renewal on an island somewhere.  We can take all the pictures you want! How's that for an unashamed plug.  ;-) 

I'm so thankful that this girl reached out for friendship and I reached back.  Actually, I'm not sure who reached first, but I do know this friendship has given me much to be thankful for!   Maybe someday I'll do a food blog....( Bleh! I never thought I'd say that!!!) about how she single handedly gave me the strength and ability to feed my family something other than popcorn, lasagna, and roast beef.

My family is ever indebted to you, dear friend!