Girlie Pops

Let me tell you a story about these girls that befriended me and pursued me despite me secretly not wanting to be their friend (which they will NEVER let me live down), that I ended up loving in the deepest parts of my heart and soul.

Pretty girls *run* like this. -Melody

I decided to live in Hattiesburg, MS while pursuing grad school. I planned to stay one year. Not make friends because who wants to make friends with someone you’re going to leave soon? I planned to go to Jackson all the time. And I did. For the first while. Then, something changed. I joined PBP (Pine Belt Pacers). I interacted first with this extremely outgoing girl who was just so happy I was there and to meet me. I then met another girl who wore makeup and lashes to run. The antithesis of my being. I am questioning all my life decisions at this point.

Donut run! Run a 400, eat a donut- repeat 4x.

Group runs aren't normally my thing, but this was fun!

I started talking in the PBP GroupMe. It was fun. Makeup girl became known as Melody and outgoing girl became known as Jenn. We weren’t ‘girlie pops’ yet. One night, there was a post-run party that got LIT, and Jenn decided she wanted to celebrate me passing my Elementary Education Praxis. The week came, and I was secretly trying to put space between us and replace them. I texted them and said it’s not a big deal, but they were insistent. So, out we went. They got me cupcakes, flowers and balloons. (The balloons are still in my apartment.) However, I had already decided I didn’t want to be close to them, so I was trying to subtly leave. They *clearly* couldn’t take the hint.

Throwback to when Jenn and Melody loved me and I wanted to ditch them.

Thus began the 'girlie pops' group message.

Our first 'girlie pop' picture. When I was pretending I wanted to be friends. 😂

This is where it got complicated for me. I found out they were Christians. Went to church. Weren’t on the same page as me politically. And. I had just spent 3 years distancing myself from that lifestyle, and here I am becoming friends with the life I got out of. To finish this part of the story- I am still the same Ex-evangelical single childless girl, and they are the same Jesus-loving married with kiddos girlies, and we love each other through and through.

Even went to church to see Melody sing!

It started out as funsises messages. Memes/GIFS. Until one night we went out to celebrate Melody passing her broker exam. We went all in- learning REAL life. I learned the not so pretty parts. I learned the backstories to things, and how their struggles and faith shaped them to be the people they are. I learned that I am apparently ‘cool enough’ to have the privilege to be their friend.

The night we decided to go all in.

*Cue Meg enter a 6-week bipolar struggle*

I shared a little bit with them, unsure of how they’d respond, because I know their experience in *gestures to all of this* is limited. I honestly didn’t expect much because I know it’s scary to be a part of. Well, I received more than I could have ever asked for. They jumped in headfirst to support me. They messaged me, let me crash their houses, listened to me plead for relief, and helped me when I couldn’t help myself. They celebrated when I was feeling good, were heartbroken when I was, and held space for all my emotions. They took one for the team and helped me get my apartment, not a wreck. How lucky am I?

I don't really have words for this weekend. Just. Thankful.

They choose me, every day, and for that I am eternally grateful. I’ll relish and look forward to the future opportunities to support them and love them in the ways they have supported and loved me.

Road trip to the coast for a 5k then 110-stair climb!
Melody CLEARLY brought glitter- so we all had to do it!

I wouldn’t change a part of it. Only that I’d jumped into their friendship sooner. 💞 Melody and Jenn, I know I tell you all the time how grateful I am for y'all. But. I believe the world needs to know just how lucky we are to have you in our lives.