Brittain's blog » following in the footsteps

Amanda and I love to tell the story of when we first met. I was in the 7th grade attending Taylor Street Middle School and I heard that we were getting a new Minister of Music at our church. I also heard that he had two daughters, one that was my age. Before I even met her, I just had a feeling that we were going to be the best of friends. She arrived at the school one day and I found out that we were going to have Chorus together. I heard the chatter throughout the school, “She looks just like Kelly McGillis” (at least what Kelly McGillis looked like then). Hmmm…maybe I won’t like her.

Despite her obvious beauty, I was still very anxious about meeting her. So, I went to Chorus class and there she was. I approached her. “Hi. I’m Valerie. I attend the church where your dad is going to be the minister of music. Amanda Brenson, is it?” Her response? “It’s Benson.” And she walked away.

Truthfully, I don’t remember what happened after that, but all I know is that we became friends and we’ve been inseparable ever since. And now, even though she lives in Macon and we don’t get to see each other as much as we’d like, she’s still that person that I can pick up the phone and call when I need someone to listen. She’s a friend that anyone would want, and I’m so lucky to have her.

Things have certainly changed since that 7th grade year at Taylor Street. We’re grown up. We have real responsibilities, and most importantly, we have children. We finally had the chance to get together the other day. Amanda’s daughter, Kyla Rose just recently turned 2 years old. Up until now, Brittain has been too young to have a real “play date,” but she’s finally to the age where playing with another child is fun. Watching the two of them together made me laugh. Even though Amanda and I didn’t know each other when we were that young, I still felt like I was looking at a little Valerie and a little Amanda. They were precious, and they had a great time. It was a good day. A really good day.