JP

Anyone who knows me, knows that I only have two categories of friends: acquaintances and best friends. That is it. I either know of your existence, or you are the most important person in my life. That is it.

Well, today I want to mention my best friend. In September 2007, I mentioned her under the pseudonym of Sue in a blog post entitled grown up. Revert to said post if you would like. I wonder now why I chose to conceal this individuals identity. That was very un-best friend of me. If anything, I would like to shout her praises from every clime, brag about her to every stranger, and talk about her from every pulpit. 5 years too late, it is time the world knew who this "Sue" is to me. The answer: everything.

God loves me and I feel this love through the individuals who have cushioned my life. Jessica Ruth Peterson is one such cushion. My JP came into my life sporting a rockin Ninja Turtles backpack, with an affinity for creative writing, and a shared, mildly gross obsession with Beat poets.

At one point, our bff's became our frenemies, yet the pain of that time was overwhelming diminished by the new-found soul mates we found in each other. Fast forward 5 years, 2 missions, ten 5-pound bags of cinnamon bears, one vegetarian lifestyle shift, and two USU sell outs later, and we are growing up, but never apart.

 JP and I 2008

JP just got engaged. I couldn't be happier. What a great guy. How could he not be for seeing and loving what I have seen since day one? My hat is off to him for his brilliance. So as my best friend card is again taken away, to be replaced by a wonderful and worthy opponent, just let me say a few things to you, Dan, that have come into my heart and mind over the years, about the love of our lives, JP.

JP is the kindest person I have ever met.

I have never once felt judged by her, or seen her judge another. She is without guile in every way. Even in my worst times, she never called me out, she used her discerning heart to feel that all I needed was someone to listen, to relate. It is this same goodness that will enrich your marriage to be a place of safety and trust. It is this goodness to which your children will be drawn when they make mistakes or feel that they have failed. They will feel empowered to get beyond their weaknesses and see themselves as the best versions of themselves. JP does that for me.

JP is the smartest person I know.

She always had a higher GPA than everyone. It annoyed me. Her vocabulary alone is something I strive to match even now. She is my favorite writing partner, my muse, and perhaps one of the most gifted writers I know. Come to see the beauty and depth of her metaphors and she will reveal her greatest fears, deepest hopes and most coveted dreams. She studies hard both academically and with doctrine. She appreciates that power of knowledge, learn from her, let her teach you what she knows. Fall in love with her Jeopardy-worthy head of knowledge and she will keep your curious forever. JP does that for me.

JP is brave.

She will deny this, but do not let her. It takes courage to be the baby of a big family. To trust marriage when you aren't sure how marriage is supposed to look. To pay your way through school. It takes courage not to cry. You are in an amazing position, a position that if treated with patience, empathy and encouragement, will allow you to know her on even a level that I cannot understand. Appreciate her past, recognize her fears, and please remind her of her capabilities. She used to love superman. I think they are more similar than we know. Do not let her succumb to the lies that she is anything but capable. JP does that for me.

JP is irreplaceable.

She is my best friend. She gets my soul like no other person in my life has. Not one. She has an impeccable sense of humor and has mastered tone and comedic timing. Enjoy it. JP has a fascinating and impeccable taste in music. Make her play the guitar for you...and sing. I love her voice. Its simple and pure and it makes my heart melt. She is deep yet playful always. Her ability to bounce between Jack Kerouac, Jesus the Christ, amino acids, and Fall Out Boy never cease to amaze me. She is the best conversationalist ever. Never stop talking to her, her brain is incredibly fun.

I'll stop there for now.

But you and I are lucky, Dan. We get it. JP has been a blessing, a tender mercy during the darkest moments of my life and a partner in the happiest moments as well. May your happiness be half as deep and you will never regret the choice you have made. 

Dan, JP and I 2012

Until later, this is just another case of word vomit.