My Oldest Friend...

Theresa Campbell-Page

Now, let me preface this blog by stating that this does NOT mean Theresa is my oldest friend in terms of age! Ha-she loves to remind me every year she is one month younger than me! No, this blog is about my oldest friend in the world; the oldest friend I've kept up with through the years and the oldest friend who still holds a special place in my life.

For some odd reason, I am becoming sentimental. Is it because I am pushing 40? (OK, the big 4-0 is still 3 years away) It could be because my 20th High School Reunion is approaching this spring. OR, it could be due to the fact I nearly lost my father last month. I think the fact that I stopped to examine myself and all of my relationships during that time period, I am finding myself a bit more thankful for my life and the people in it.

I am going to use this blog over the next several weeks to highlight special people in my life. Theresa is the unfortunate OR fortunate guinea pig and first up!

I met Theresa in the 5th grade at Fannin Elementary in San Angelo, Texas. I thought she was exotic because she had just moved to Texas from Italy. (Her father was in the Air Force.) She was quiet and seemed like a duck out of water. However, we soon began to talk and realized we had a lot in common. We became fast friends and very close.

As the years progressed, they brought changes in our lives and our relationship. We experienced band in junior high together and many nights spent at the other's house. Theresa's parents became like my second set of parents and vice-versa. My folks loved her! We loved to watch silly movies and listen to music. Oh my gosh--if I had a $1 for everytime we belted out, "Come on Eileen", "In Your Eyes","Love Will Never Do" and every U2 song, I would be RICH!! We especially loved, "Parent Trap" and "Grease." I can also remember many nights sitting outside and talking for what seemed like hours and viewing the stars. We would talk about what we hoped our lives in the 'adult world' would bring us.

Throughout high school and college we remained good friends. At times we were not as close as we had been, but we always knew we could count on one another. Theresa was there for me through my first real love and heartache. (Lance, anyone?!?!?) I was there for her first real love which turned out to be her husband!!! I remember 'stalking' Steve one day as he ran errands in San Angelo and we followed him in my car. LOL Theresa married the first man she ever kissed. Wow, what a love story. Oh, did I mention we won tickets to see the greatest rock band ever? We did! We flew to Dallas to see U2 in concert. What an experience!

Theresa was there for me through one of the most difficult times in my life. She never judged me, but she did support me. Soon after that time, she moved to Omaha and married Steve. I missed her desperately. I still miss her desperately even though we have not seen each other for several years.

Theresa went on to earn her master's degree and publish articles in D.C. She and Steve have enjoyed traveling and building a life together. They welcomed cutie-pie, Ethan in Feb. of 2004. Now, Theresa and her family live in Germany where Steve is contracting with the government.

Theresa in five words: Open, Loyal, Sweet-Spirited, Smart, and Beautiful (on the inside and out!) I miss her and wish we lived close. However, Theresa is my oldest friend and I am so grateful we stay in touch. I know I can count on her and I believe she knows she can count on me.

We may not be the other's best friend anymore, but she was my first real best friend I ever had. And she still is my close friend and I love her dearly.