Many have not seen Danny since I had my h.s./college years crush on him! LOL! Given he had a lot less facial hair, and fewer parts missing or being held together, he is still the same person. Over the year of my divorce, he was the single person (friend or family) who called constantly and consistently to check and see if I was in need of anything. He was there when I wanted to hurt someone, he was there when I needed to just cry, and he was always reminding me that while others may not see it . . . there is an amazing woman, mother, and friend within me.

Danny and I, on one of our many hikes.

So much of who I am has come back because of my best friend. He never treated me any different, and always treated me with adoration. After years of being told how not worth time or breathe, it was amazing to once again feel adored. In high school, after a date, he once looked at me and said, "J, you are special." I of course in my style had to make a joke out of it . . . . however ,in the year to come after and the years before this . . . there were days when I had been beaten down, and I could hear my friends voice saying "You are special" on that front porch so long ago.

I realize our situation isn't perfect, and I realize there are struggles. However, how can those who are suppose to love me the most, disown me, and consider me dead? How can they refuse to even consider the one person in my life who had been there and made me feel important and good, even in my most ugly moments. At times I think I am at peace because of the Savior for sure, and I think also I have this person telling me, I am still good even though I messed up, and it is backed up by his wonderful family.

Everytime there is an issue arise, he rises to the occasion and fixes what needs to be addressed. There is always progress, how do you walk away when there is constant progress? How do you ever walk away from someone who makes you feel like you are worth anything and everything? How?