Do you have an Amy?

Do you have friends you've had for life?  I do.  I have friends I've known for almost 30yrs.  WOW!!!  Chance is a crazy thing.  My oldest friend and I got our friendship started because our parents got us to our first day of school at the same time and we were put together at a table.  We sat together any chance we got.  She was my bridesmaid and although life and being "grown ups" means we don't get much time together I still consider her a special friend.  Thanks, Amy. 

Now that I'm a mom, I'm hoping to see the kids have stability and grow in friendships.  It's something I had because I was spoiled enough to attend the same school from 1st grade (grade 1) to 12th grade (matric).  Talk about stability!!!  Amy was there with me that whole time and we've been constant presences in each others lives.  She lives in Seattle now!  Bonus!  Way closer than most of my special 'old' friends!

In the USA schools don't work the same way as in South Africa.  If you go to public school, which most people do (and almost all of my friends' kids do), any time you move neighborhood you move school.  Even if you live less than 5mins apart you might be zoned for a different school.  To maintain friendships you have to work a little harder coordinating times to get together.

Hannah is in this situation now.  She has had a lot of stability in her little life because of the friends I made through my pregnancy with her.  Some of my closest friends here have kids around her age that we have known as babies in playgroups, through church, preschool, and just family friendships.  She will see those kids simply through my relationships with their families.  But I'd love the friendships to continue from their side too.

Kindergarten means that all of the friends she is used to seeing during the week will be at their own schools (some with different time schedules).  I know she will be making some great new friends.  And I also know that I will be busy coordinating life so that she can continue to nurture those friendships she has with her special 'old' friends.  I want her to have an Amy.  Lots of Amys if possible!