On friendship, sisters and bravery

Do you know my friend, Casey? She is kind of a big deal. Our story is one of those "we were childhood friends who grew apart because of life's circumstances and then were reunited because of the blogging world" old chestnuts.

Barb and Casey, circa 2007 (yes, we're at Baskin-Robbins in the dead of winter, what of it?)

Casey found my blog one day and we reconnected. We had both changed a lot since our days of playing on the same street and planning elaborate pet talent shows. We became friends again based on the adults we now are, not the children we were. Even though she lives in Indiana, I feel lucky that I'm on the shortlist of people she wants to see when she comes back home for a visit.

At the premiere of Twilight- I've never heard so many preteens squealing all in one place!

Casey's expertise in navigating the blogging world has given me courage- she helps me to be brave enough to try new things (I've called her my security blanket before). She has opened her soul to her readers on her blog in a way that can only be described as honest, admirable and raw, even. She has struggled with horrible demons and challenges like depression and infertility and come through it stronger and purified as if by the refiner's fire. She is one of the bravest people I know.

at the Pioneer Woman's book signing last year

Casey is expecting her second daughter (nicknamed Mozzi) who joins her first little cutie whose nickname was The Moosh. She will have two girls and they will have a sister. I have a sister, as does Casey- we know firsthand that sometimes a girl just needs her sister. Both of us are separated from our sisters by large geographical distances. I think sisterhood and friendship are closely linked- sometimes, if you're lucky, you can find sisters in the world to be your surrogate sister. That's what I wish for Casey- that she will always have sisters around her to help her through those hard times. (So far, she's got a small army all organized by Emily to throw her this virtual baby shower!) And that's what I wish for Mozzi- that she and The Moosh will love and support each other.

at the Casual Blogger Conference last year

Congratulations, Casey! I'm so happy that another baby gets to have you for a mom, because you're awesome at it.