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Karen Flanagan's avatar

I love this! At (almost) 64 years old, I have a dear friend that I met in kindergarten. That's 59 years ago! We were in the same class until 6th grade, and never had a junior high or high school class together. She moved out of state when we were 16, but that didn't deter our bond. I named my first daughter after her. She's joining our family vacation in July because my kids absolutely love her, and she them. It's uncommon to have had a friend for so long, and I cherish it. And actually, my 29 year-old daughter has a best friend that she met as an infant! Keep it going!

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Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

I love that, Karen! How special.

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Lori Z.'s avatar

How wonderful for you! I thought I'd be the oldie in the group with a 45 year old friendship that's still going strong. She's my people. I love her for that.

Katie, I'm so happy for you and Paige. Friends keep you real and grounded.

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Val Saksornchai's avatar

I will be your writer friend from the other side of the world for a long, long time!

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Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

And what a gift that is!

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Val Saksornchai's avatar

Right back at you. 😍

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Kerry Graham's avatar

I 💜 Paige. I’m so happy your friendship has endured and will continue to.

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Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you! She really is the best. (And so are you!!)

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Nicki Lynn Keys's avatar

OH MY GATOS! You're at #39. KHG. What a beautiful feat.

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Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

It's wild! Thank you, friend! I love you. xo

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Allison Prang's avatar

I LOVE this topic and that you quoted Ann Friedman of all people who I feel like is so good at talking about this, too! Friends are the best, and they were always there before the big romantic relationships. <3 Great post, Katie. Always an awesome start my day to see your Tuesday posts in my inbox.

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Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you, Allison! I have no doubt you're an excellent friend!

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Hannah Iris's avatar

This is lovely, all of it: this essay, this lesson, your friendship with Paige, your weekend celebration!

The older I get, and the more I come to be myself, the more treasured my friendships are. This Saturday I'll be spending time with one of those friends; she and I hit 20 years last August. She could be part of my Golden Girls set up for sure. 👭 ⏩ 👵👵

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Lori Z.'s avatar

This was really beautiful. I'm so glad you have a Paige in your life! Thanks from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story. I look forward to your special day!

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