Erica and I have been friends over half of our lives, approx. 24 -25 yrs. We initially met and became friends in 2^nd grade & have been best friends since 5^th grade. After her sleep over in 5^th grade we became inseparable. We basically grew up at one another’s home during our childhood. So, we just verbally christened one another as Godsisters! Lol. We can talk about any and everything! I can always get in contact with her when I cannot contact anyone else! Even if she is in a different city or state, we manage to keep in contact with one another just about every other day. Out of 24 -25 yrs the most time have passed without us talking to one another may have been a week, if that long. We are the true definition of opposite’s attract! We are so different but vibe so well! She has a strong personality but is very caring & giving! I would not trade her for the world! She is my bestie/sister.

Fallon and I have been friends for 16yrs. We became friends our sophomore year of high school (1998) in Ms. Hall French class and have been two peas in a pod every since. Our friendship has grown more & more throughout the years! She has proven time and time again she has my back and that means a lot! We are more like sisters rather than friends.  She is a very loving & selfless person. I can always call her to talk whether it’s to cry, laugh, vent or pray! She always has a listening ear and is prepared to give the best advice she can.  She is the definition of a “TRUE” friend.

I met Mya in nursing school at Southern University. We became really close in 2006 when we formed our study group. OMG, we have been through so much drama around the same time in our lives & have had so many amazing times together… until it feels like we been friends a lifetime! Our personalities are very similar and we really understand one another.  We have cried, laughed, prayed & traveled together throughout the years. She is the person that introduced me to traveling out of the country; my first trip out of the country was with her to Jamaica!  She is an awesome friend; amazing person and has a huge heart full of love!

Joni is the groom’s big sister and my soon to be sister!  We first met in 2011 at a family gathering for Thanksgiving. It felt like an instant attraction between us. We hit it off and I immediately fell in love with her down to earth personality.  Once we had a chance to have a mini vacay together that confirmed my first impression of her was correct! She has a heart full of love and has prove to me throughout these three years she has my best interest at heart. She keeps it real; is full of personality and really is a breath of fresh air to be around. I could have not been blessed with a better sister-in-law. She is the big sis I have always dreamed of having!

Ree-Ree is my big cousin! She has played the role of my big cousin, sister and friend throughout the years. She has always stepped in when needed the most. From baking my baby doll birthday cakes; saving me on last minute projects in elementary school; making sure my college grad party was what I wanted & more; being my night owl buddy on the phone …etc. We always have a good time whenever we are in one another presence. She cuts no corners and has no problem giving me her insight whenever she feels the need to do so. She always put others before herself and is more than willing to do anything she can for anyone especially her family! She is an amazing big cousin/sister & friend!

Inyang and I met in nursing school in 2006. Once we recruited a study group & became study buddies that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship! We have been through some tough times in nursing school together! She is one of the most genuine & sweetest friends ever! I can depend on her to support me during the most important milestones throughout my life! Not to mention, when it is time to let our hair down and have fun… girlfriend knows how to party! lol. That's my Ying-Yang!

Danielle and I became childhood friends around (me) 6 & (her) 7 yrs of age. Danielle came and knocked on my door and asked me if I can come outside and play! I said yeah & I can still hear my mom until this day “girl who is that at the door? You can’t go play with a stranger!” I said, “mamma it’s a little girl”. She asked “where are her parents!” Needless to say, after mom confirmed she wasn’t a part of a kidnapping scandal…20 plus years later we are still friends! Lol. No matter how much time may pass without us communicating. We always manage to pick up where we left off, as if time froze instead of passed.  That’s how you know you when you have a real friendship!

Jayda and I met in 2003 while working at Woman's Hospital CDC. We immediately clicked!  This is my ride or die, down for whatever friend...LITERALLY! We have had some fun times together! She is very candid & has no filter!!! Lol. Therefore, she will be the one to make me shame whether it's warranted or not!  I can definitely depend on her to give me her honest opinion when needed. She is a wonderful friend; keeps me laughing and most importantly she has my back at all times!

Tameka and I met in nursing school in 2006 & were reunited in 2008 at Woman's Hospital in the NICU. I believe we were so excited to see a familiar face we automatically became buddies! She is the one I always went to for questions/uncertainties about work & she has always allowed me to vent when my patience was tested at work. Not to mention, she has become an awesome friend outside of work!

Courtney and Melanie Walker are two of my younger (2^nd) cousins who I love dearly. I have babysit both of these young ladies throughout their childhood. I try my best to make a positive impact throughout their lives. They are so sweet & have always respected me as their older cousin! They are honest and I can always count on them to have my back, no mater what!  The bond we have can not be any closer than if we shared the same mother! I am so fortunate and proud to have them as my little cousins/sistas!

Tristen and I became friends in 2009. We finally had a chance to work together in the same area of the unit known as “Special Care Nursery” around the summer of 2009. It was an instant connection and we literally felt separated at birth once we had the opportunity to really get to know one another. We have been attached at the hip every since! We are so similar; it is almost scary how much we have in common.  She is very authentic; beyond amazing as a friend; and has a heart of gold. We currently work together and there is NEVER a dull moment! We truly entertain one another and enjoy each others company. That's my sha (cher’)!

Terry and I met in 8^th grade in Mr. Holmes (English teacher) class. Mr. Holmes had a few questionable tendencies. He would always comb his hair to make sure it was just right before class begin. Terry and I became friends from making fun of him in class! We began hanging out after school and became best buds. I always felt comfortable discussing with him different situations in my life and vice versa. Even though things have changed since we’ve gotten older, I still feel like we have that same friendship and will always remain best buds!

Frank and I grew up next door to one another. Literally right next door, about a 10 sec run. We rode our 4 wheelers and dirt bikes together growing up. He would ask for rides and for me to show him how to drive. Since I was the youngest, I felt special because I could drive my 4-wheeler and he couldn’t. lol. Although he is only a few years older than I am, he has always looked out for my best interest.  He has been an inspiration in my life; a big brother; counselor; friend and just all around a wonderful person to talk to and I admire that. I wouldn’t trade him for anything. Continue to be that person you have always been my boy!

Brandon and I grew up together from knee high to a duck (lol)! We attended elementary school together, a little of middle school and all of high school.  It was to my advantage when his dad brought him and 4-wheeler. My dad felt the need to compete so he bought me one too. Needless to say, we became 4-wheeler riding buddies. We have remained friends every since. It seems as if the only thing that has changed is time. Our friendship has remained the same.  He’s like my brother from another mother!

Greg and I became step-brothers around 15 or so years ago.  We instantly clicked the moment we met. He was my road dog; had my back through thick and thin; took up for me in certain situations and basically showed me the love that a brother was suppose to. When we got our dirt bikes together we tore the neighborhood up (lol). We rode everyday! Everybody knew when we were coming through because of all the noise. Throughout the years he has always been that brother I can share my thoughts, feelings, and basically anything with. He will give his opinion whether I like it or not. Since he is the oldest, I always respect what he has to say. Even if there are times we may disagree, I will always appreciate his point of view. I thank God for sending him my way.

Cuzzo and I been rolling since we been little tykes. We have done a lot together throughout the years. I would always find myself looking for him at all the family functions. Growing up, we just had understanding and it was just so easy for us to get along. As we got older we began to hang out more. We are not only fam but have became friends. I wouldn’t trade a thing for “ol cuzzo”!

Davarro & Trey are two of my younger cuzzos. Although I was a little older than these two we still created a bond that can not be broken.  I have watched them grow up to be smart & respectable young men, who I cherish. We all had a chance to go out one night and had a blast. It is a night I will definitely always remember! Lol. Glad we are fam. I can not wait to see what the future has for these two!

Wilford is my brother-in-law. We met around 10-15 yrs ago.  From the moment my sister introduced me to him he seemed to be a smart and intelligent guy. I was not sure so I had to feel him out.  She would bring him to the family functions and from there we would talk about sports, school and most importantly how he felt about my sister (cause ya’ll know I had to ask lol). After more conversations and getting to know him more I felt he was the right one for my sister. She has always looked out for me. So, I felt it was my duty to make sure she was straight. He obviously was and is the right one! He has been a wonderful husband of 10 years to my sister and an inspiration in my life. I hope that we continue to have that brother-in-law love and conversations.  

Clifford is the bride (2^nd) cousin “Cuzzy Wuzzy”/brother. I knew by the love Katrina has for him he must be a good person. We met in 2011 and my thoughts turned out to be correct. We have not had the opportunity to hang out much but the few times we have been over to his home he has greeted me with an open door and I can see why Katrina loves him so much and consider him her big brother. He has given me great job advice and gives me insight on different plants he has worked at to prepare me for once I am certified. I look forward to joining the family and getting the opportunity to know him more.