Her name was Katrina (not actually but for privacy purposes I am not writing her actual name), at first glance she was just any other girl, but I quickly learned that she was 5'5ft and was a tank. I remember playing against her in a game of tackle duck duck goose, she would like to think she won, however I know that I actually won the game! (this has been an on going argument for the last 5yrs). But back to the story, so we were playing this and Katrina and I went at it for what seemed like 20minutes straight, hair was pulled, punches were throne, kicks were...well kicked! By the end of it we were both covered in dirt and grass stains, and I had gained a greater respect for Katrina.
On the other hand, Katrina was the most caring, most helpful, and most positive person I had ever had the honor of knowing. For two months straight, as she life guarded our pool at the summer camp were we both met and worked she would ask me to come stand with her for 2hrs. In these 2hrs we would discuss things such as; theology, thoughts on God, faith, life, friends, family, what was going on, food, jokes, etc... Those times were and are probably some of the fondest memories I will ever have.
After 4 years of knowing Katrina, we had become more then friends, we had become siblings. She saw me as a brother, and I saw her as my sister. She was the first to know many things that went on in my life, my thoughts on life, and other topics.
But, (there is always a but), in March of 2013 she was diagnosed with depression. I remember her telling me this, holding up the anti-depressants. My heart broke for her, but I was reminded that I was there to support her. I continued to keep her in my prayers, she fell deeper and deeper into the hole depression can be. The deeper she fell, the more I prayed.
As this past fall came on she had grown very apart from all of her friends, including me. In all fairness I don't hold it against her! I know she will be reading this, seeing as she told me that she was very excited to see what I had to say when I told her I was going to post about her and I's friendship. So Katrina, I never once judged you for drawing away, I prayed for you everyday.
This past year was a very difficult time at the beginning between me and her. She had started to what seemed to be a "re-defining" of herself, however I would later learn this was not what it was at all. The things I saw without fully discussing them with her scared me, I began to worry. We began to see things differently, and deep down I had lost some respect for her.
However, this past month was an eye opener for me, and I believe for her as well. Out of know where God asked me to message her, to go to the extent of seeing if she wanted to legit talk about what had been going on. She suggested a phone chat (I know right, times have changed when phoning is the "if I must" type of thing). We talked for 2 1/2hrs straight. At first I will admit, it was a little bumpy, getting past the "How are yous" and "I am fines" and all that type of small talk. But after I hung up my phone I had gained a better understanding of her, and her perspective on many of the topics we did not see eye to eye on.
I will admit, we both do not see eye to eye on somethings, however we are closer to seeing on the same level then we once did. So even though this is true she will always be my best friend sister, I will always hold the times I spent walking, sitting, standing in the middle of the pool field, filling up garbage bagged boxes with water, and giving each other blind piggy back rides close to my heart and as some of the best, most favoured and cherished memories of my life and my time spent with my friend Katrina.
In prayerful support, your brother, and friend,
-Nathan
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