Tara

Is it possible to meet someone when you are 9 years old at a soccer try out of all things and remain friends with them almost 20 years later? When it comes to Tara, it's possible. I met Tara at that Airhead soccer try out. She came right up to me and introduced herself in her loud outgoing voice. We never looked back. After that it was a whirl wind of of life together growing up. There are very few memories of my early adolescence that don't have Tara in them. We grew up together and we still are growing up together. We saw each other through: soccer games, try outs, practices, boys, boyfriends, stake dances, family get togethers, countless sleep overs, high school drama, making new friends, heart ache, family drama, working together at TKJ, Rascal Flatts, dating our spouces, our marraiges, our childrens' births, and life as we know it now. The summer before I started dating John seriously, we spent almost everyday together. I kid you not, I pretty much lived at her house. I will never forget that summer. The walls of Tara's room plastered in Backstreet Boys posters, her orange soccer ball that we would kick back and forth, staying up late talking about Kade (he was on his mission) watching damn Dawson's Creek over and over. I really do feel like at different points in our lives, we saved each other, from sadness, grief, despair and worry. Tara truly is my sister. I still talk to her a lot and even though our lives are crazy and we don't live super close, we always find a way to make time for each other. Tara is very much like me, but as much as we both are dramatic, we are dramatic about very different things, which evens out for both of us. Well, at least it does for me! One of Tara's best qualities is that she is a great listener. She has so many friends in her life, including myself, that call her all the time. She listens and gives great advice. I know Tara will always be on my side. That's a rare thing to find. She also is an amazing wife and mother. She finished school and is working in her degree she gratuated with. I am so proud of her, She does it all. She works, cooks, spends quality time with her kids, and loves, loves, LOVES her husband. They were high school sweethearts. It is so fun to watch them together because they have been together for so long. They are a great example of what a good marriage is.
Another thing that is so interesting about us, is that since the day we bacame friends, people are convienced that we are sisters, a claim I believe to be true.This picture was taken in September of last year at yet another Rascal Flatts concert. (will never forget the first one!) I love you Tara. Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on, for never turning your back on me, and for making me believe in myself. Tara- You are my inspiration!!!!!!