I don't know what I would do if I didn't have Tonya Green in my life.  She is like a sister to me; we've known each other practically our whole lives, but it's only been in the last three/four years where our friendship has really blossomed.

I first met Tonya (then known as Tonya Crabtree) back in school, when we were in kindergarten.  It was love at first sight.  I remember she was a very dainty-looking little girl with blonde curls tumbling haphazardly down her back, huge, intense blue eyes, and a smile that could light up New York City, it was so bright.  How I envied her!

Meanwhile, I was short like her, but I was chubby.  I looked like a baby penguin; I was embarrassed about my round tummy and pillows disquised as legs. 

I guess Tonya knew I needed a friend, so she latched onto me like Elmer's Glue. 

We remain stuck to each other for life!

Tonya got married shortly after graduating from high school; I remember that her wedding was a grand affair.  Many people came to wish the happy new couple the best in life; she was very well loved.  Still is.  She married a nice young boy that she met six months prior to graduation; it was instant attraction for the both of them.  Cupid struck hard when he brought the young pair together!

Tonya has been married now for ten years.  She and her husband have a loving, stable relationship that has stood some of life's hardest tests:  the death of her mother to Alzheimers.  The death of her baby son, who had SIDS; he was only three months old.  The death of her father from cancer.  Going through cancer treatments herself when she was found to have breast cancer, even having to go through surgery to remove one breast, then the other.

Yet through everything she's been through, Tonya remains the upbeat, happy person I remember from our school days; nothing really slows her down.  She's always been a "go-getter", and she has a deep, strong, unshakable faith in God.  She is a devout Christian who firmly believes in the power of prayer; she believes it was prayer that got her through her worst circumstances.

I know that I could learn a lot from her, even when I am facing my own trials.  I'm just glad she is there for me whenever life throws a curveball (or knuckleball) my way.  I have been there for her; she returns the favor, and I am indeed grateful for it!  I just wish more people could have a friend like I do in Tonya Green!