It is official.
There is a nice big “A” decal on the rear window of her car to prove it. Elizabeth will be at Appalachian State University (“App”) in the Fall. Seeing the sticker everyday brings a smile to my face, but having this decision made (and thus, the applying and waiting over) brings me deep, satisfying joy. It reminds me of the second trimester of pregnancy – I am sailing along; strong, and blissfully aware that the labor pains are still a few months off.
AND,
as if that weren’t enough, she has a roommate, too. Julie is a long-time friend, a smart, beautiful and funny young woman with a kind heart and strong faith. Julie’s mom, Elizabeth, was my Elizabeth’s first VBS teacher when the girls were three. She and I sat together at the Kindergarten Info session when the girls were four. We were in a prayer group together for the 4 years the girls attended the same Elementary School, and a mother-daughter Bible study the summer before the girls went off to their respective Middle Schools. Now, we get to experience this next season together – not just at the same time, but together. I am pinching myself.
I am remembering back a few years, to a phone call from Elizabeth. With our girls attending different schools and our families at different churches, we no longer had a built-in way to keep in touch. Here is what she said to me, “I don’t want to wake up one day and say, ‘I used to have a friend named Kim.'” We’ve been meeting to sip coffee and tea, and share milestones since then. One such morning about a year ago, we decided to take the girls on a day-trip to visit App together. The rest is…well, you know.
The lesson (yes, there is always a lesson) in this for me is that the people God brings near are near for a reason. Certainly, there are times that it is just for a moment, or for a season. Some encounters, though, are meant to lead to life-long connections. How do we know the difference? Maybe all it takes is a cup of coffee.
I’ve got some calls to make.
Kim Perry Writes 
Wonderful to know that your daughter has a friend like that to share college with. BTW….my son went to App. State and walked on the basketball team. He transferred to UGA after two years but missed App. State so much and has kept close contact with several of his App. Sate friends.
Gwen, That is so cool! I went to high school in Athens, and my parents still live nearby (Watkinsville). Dad taught at UGA when we first moved there. I wonder how many other things we have in common!
Celebrating your decision! and the relationships God has brought your way!
So thrilled for you all!
We are settled and somewhat scholar-shipped – that ordeal continues – and discovering the joys of Honors Student life at UAB. So thrilled that those students Trent is following there are old, fabulous friends and that those new friends whom he has already met and who will meet him there in the fall are great as well.
I cannot wait for this new season in his life. Wish I was going back to school myself. Maybe, I will. But, that is material for a post isn’t it?
Love you all.
Kim
That is so cool. I love that God put somebody in your life when Elizabeth was a toddler that would go through this with you. Crazy cool how He works!! Hugs.