I love this picture. Though yours truly was not in attendance for this formal (note: see previous entry regarding events leading up to said dance), for some reason this photo captures a big point in my high school years.

If it weren’t thanks to a certain friend and his absolutely magnetic personality…I’m fairly confident that I might have gone four years with my nose buried in a book, head wrapped in headphones, and not a female in sight. And while the thought of this is mildly amusing, the sentiment is raw and true. I’m really in awe of how much one person has changed my social life.

It’s no secret to those that know me well…I’m shy. Though I do have an ability to ‘turn on’ and be outgoing, it is unnatural for me. That side of my personality is a stage presence, invoked as a defense mechanism, or at the very least a reluctant hat trick brought out to face adult responsibilities. By birth, I’m pretty darn shy.

Andrew, however, is not shy. And I thank God that by some divine grace I was paired with this kid at the age of 13. Otherwise, your’s truly might have never had some of the best years of his life. And not to mention branching out and meeting people of the female persuasion. Andy was the alpha male, initiating all contacts. Though this went to his head early, I can’t blame him really. He took a bunch of soccer-nerds from an all-male college prep school and made us one step close to being ready for the real world. High school didn’t teach me that. Andy did.

As I look at this picture, I notice one distinct thing (well, besides that guy in the back named Big Pete who I still have no clue who the hell he was): I see a bunch of people in my life that have moved on. Be it by distance or scheduling…so many of my friends…friends that I hold so exceptionally close to my heart, have fallen away. I’ve gone through the requisite periods of mourning their losses. I’ve come to accept this as a natural part of growing older. But the lack of their presence in my life today is still defined by this shadow, this void that I undoubtedly feel inside. I keep my friends close, or at least try.

But of those in this picture, very few do I still have the honor and privelage of saying that they keep in touch with me. Above and beyond (that’s his style) is one Mr. Andrew Jonathan Kruse. He calls when I don’t (though he knows I hate phones). He returns IMs and emails when others don’t. He always makes himself more than available on rare holiday breaks to catch up just like old times. He is one of the single-digit people in my life that still go 130% to be my friend.

And my gratitude for this will probably never be accurately expressed.

Though it may seem odd to praise a friend in such a fashion, stumbling over this picture really brought me a sense of thankfulness for Andy. And these moments in my life are truly rare, so I’m learning to embrace them.

So Andrew, on behalf of Katie and all of my female friends today I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not only did you introduce me to what it meant to be 16, you lead the way through those awkward years for this naturally shy kid.