Kindred Spirits

Anne tipped the vase of apple blossoms near enough to bestow a soft kiss on a pink-cupped bud, and then studied diligently for some moments longer. "Marilla," she demanded presently, "do you think that I shall ever have a bosom friend in Avonlea?"

"A--what kind of friend?"

"A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. I've dreamed of meeting her all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will too. Do you think it's possible?"

--Anne of Green Gables, LMM

Yes Anne, it is possible!!! When I was in first grade, we got a new girl in our class. Her name was Kathleen MacPhee. Imagine my joy when I found out that this little girl moved in a house just down the street from me. I could see her house from our bathroom window. My sister, Melissa and I went down for a visit and it was there that I found my kindred spirit. Since, first grade, Kathleen and I were the best of friends. We played together every day after school and had sleep overs every weekend. I cherish my childhood memories because there aren't too many of those memories that do not include Kathleen. We both wanted to be veterinarians, writers, artists and start our own band and book publishing company. We were going to call it ABC Paperback. We loved books, animals and music. I know that my appreciation for good music is because of my mom and because of Kathleen. We used to sit on her front lawn and have a picnic and listen to our music. We were outside all the time. Kathleen and I were/are like sisters. We have shared some of the happiest, craziest and even heart breaking moments of our lives together. We may not live next door to each other, but I know she is always there for me.

Kathleen with her cat, Skitter, when she was 8 years old

While I was in Canada this summer, Kathleen drove to Nova Scotia to see me one weekend. We hadn't seen each other in 12 year. 12 YEARS!!!! I was so excited to see her, I was almost giddy. It was one the things that I was looking the most forward to since I found out she was coming to visit. We had such a fun weekend, we had a sleepover at my mom's house and she got to spend time with Braxton and Emma. It didn't seem like it was 12 years, it felt like we still lived down the street from each another. Even though we are both older, married, with 2 kids each, she is still my kindred spirit, my friend whom I can confide my inmost soul. She knows me and my heart.

PS: I love the above picture of Kathleen. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this one is the perfect one to describe who she is.