Erika.

Erika moved back to Columbus today. I got a little choked up when I said goodbye to her in the kitchen last night, but I knew to make it fast or I might get really emotional. And I was fine until Timmy said goodbye to her. I was already outside holding the door open for Timmy to come out. But he leaned over to hug Erika goodbye and she said "you take care of my girl." And I just felt something in my heart.

Over the last 3.5 years, Erika has cared so much for me. She was the one who invited me to come check out her small group. Rachel and I visited and still haven't left. Erika has prayed me and loved me and listened to me go on and on and on. For at least a year, I think, we got together for breakfast every other Friday morning. She would say "so, what's going on?" and I would talk for the next 1.5 hours. And she always seemed genuinely interested in all of it. And I could count on her to pray for me. And she would pray for me on the spot - on the phone, at restaurants, in parking lots, it didn't matter. I once told her I was having the hardest time praying and focusing, so for a few weeks, she called me every morning at 830am so we could pray together. Indeed she is one of my pastors, not officially, but she has been a pastor to me. And that is why it was so important to me that she be a part of our wedding some how. And thinking back on it, I'm so glad her part was to pray for us. How appropriate!

She has taken very good care of me, and last night I felt her let go. And that was sad but it was so good. I know she will always be there. In fact, I know I'll be calling and emailing her especially as I learn to be a wife. But I feel so much stronger and more stable than I ever have, and for those times when I'm not feeling strong or stable, I have Timmy. It was like she passed it onto him. "You take care of my girl."