You may not like someone the first time you meet them. Or the second.

Or maybe not even the third.

But eventually they may wear you down, grow on you like a mole. Before you realize it, it’s there, and you never even noticed.

This is how it was for me with Brandi. 

I worked with her husband for awhile before I ever met her. She had a bit of a reputation for being brazen and opinionated. And LOUD. She made up for her short stature with volume. 

Brandi has narrowed eyes that miss nothing. She talks fast and drives faster. She has an extremely low tolerance for b.s., which is unfortunate because she’s surrounded with drama. That comes with the territory when raising a teenager, I suppose. She’s smokes to offset the stress. 

Anyway, I don’t remember the moment where I decided she was all bark and no bite (when it came to me, anyway. The rest of y’all will have to fend for yourselves). Maybe when she lowered her guard with me when she saw I wasn’t after her husband! Scotty became my “work husband” pretty early on, because I could trust him to not leave me on top of pallet racks or the little office after raising me up with the forklift. He always helped me lift salt bricks (hey, 48# is a lot when it’s over your head!) and whatever else I had a mind to dig out. He was in on several of my little decorating projects over the years. Remember the Jesus gardens? And all my crazy ideas for suspending stuff from the ceilings and walls at Christmas? Scotty is a true friend and a dedicated employee. I love him dearly. 

And, like I said, I came to love Brandi. 

We formed an alliance one year, solid and strong, and went to the Christmas party locked arm in arm. The husbands rolled their eyes and kept one hand on their weapons. Not because they’d have to draw them, but to make sure we wouldn’t get them! Ha! I’ve written about her daughter, MacKenzie, before. She’s the blonde sparkles who loves leopard print, My Little Ponies, unicorns, and glitter. The one I wrote that was baptized in the river with the powerful picture to accompany it. You remember? 

Brandi and I kept in touch after I left Co-op, and we virtual farm together now. Well, we did through Christmas. She’s taking a break while this other is going on, that you’re fixing to read about. We spin together! Two of the unlikeliest of girls getting together to exercise and sweat. We have a great time. She sometimes calls me because she’s one of these people who mistakenly think “it’s too long to text” (looking at you, Tippett!) {Hint: It’s NEVER too long to text} and I will even answer, on occasion. I have also been known to call her. She knows if it’s my smiling face on her screen, odds are it’s my squalling voice she’s going to hear. 

Brandi is a good egg. That’s why it’s my pleasure to pray for her and her family.  

Lord, you know our hearts. You know what we are going to ask before we even think it. I’m here with a loving and open heart to ask for divine intervention for my friend Brandi. I didn’t ever think about you being a real estate agent! But she needs her house sold quickly and the new one built just as fast. Her whole family has moved in with her aunt and I don’t need to tell you what a trial that is. Although she is thankful they have someplace warm, safe, and close to stay, it is a burden to impose on anyone. There are several peoples’ schedules to work around and a dog to keep an eye on, as well. I thank you for her aunt, who has lovingly taken them in and provides them a soft place to lay their heads and all the other things she willingly gives them. I thank you for potential buyers and friends and family that spread the word of their house that has so many new improvements. I thank you for Brandi’s hands that prepare meals and change diapers and wash laundry and dishes, and Scotty for being a provider through his work at the Co-op where he is always hard after it with a positive attitude. I thank you for his strong back and arms that are able to sling straw and load feed, seed, and fertilizer all day in order to support his family. I’m proud to count this couple among my closest and dearest friends. I pray that during construction of their new home (close to me!) that the workers will stay safe and alert and build a strong, secure dwelling. I also pray for the weather to cooperate and be conducive to building. I pray that you are foremost in their marriage and as their children and grandchildren grow up you are at the front of their lives as well, directing and leading them on the path of your choosing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.   

The sun was shining, I’d worked on my feet for eight hours for the first time in nearly three years, and my friend was asking me to fast alcohol.

I decided I’d rather drink beer and do without my pillow.

I’m dumb, in case you didn’t already know.

But I had my few beers and turned in. Turned in to a flat bed. 

I sighed and slept surprisingly well. Not soundly; I woke up a few times, confused as to how I’d lost all three of my pillows. But then I would remember drowsily, about my promise and say another quick prayer about blocks and brick and concrete and fall back asleep. I had a few weird dreams and when I woke up this morning I had taken a wad of comforter and fashioned it into a makeshift pillow underneath my head. I hope that’s not cheating because I don’t care to repeat this night. I have a heard enough time sleeping as it is. But I rested fairly well, considering. 

I’m just giving a little bit of sacrifice these days. One gave all.

And that’s why we remember.

Love from Appalachia,

Amy xoxo