Meet Suna Marquardt, my dear childhood friend from Eureka, California. This is us in the 6th grade. I even developed this picture in our elementary school dark room.
Several years ago, we found each other again on Facebook. I was elated, to say the least. This is my friend who I had sleepovers with, played on the basketball team with, talked about boys like Nick Cox and Tyson Beauchamp with.
Last week, I met up with her in Anaheim, California (where she now lives) while we were on a family vacation at Disneyland.
Tah-dah! Here we are now:
Isn't Suna beautiful?
It's an amazing feeling to be in the presence of someone you haven't seen since you were 13 and feel like you've never even skipped a beat. Suna is as bright, authentic and as lovely as she ever was. Since I last saw her, she has accomplished so much including graduating from the Long Beach Police Academy, marrying another police officer (Jason García) whom she met at the academy, and having three boys – something we share in common. When Suna had her boys, she admirably bowed out of her career in law enforcement and started a business she runs from home called "Quality Connections Living Services." She helps people with developmental disabilities to maintain their basic life skills such as grocery shopping, financial responsibilities, medication management, etc. In other words: She is Wonder Woman.
Suna, I love you. It was so amazing to see you again. Let's make sure that we don't wait 18 years to do it again.
Posts
I find it very unfair that you both did not have an awkward stage in sixth grade like so many of us did. What beautiful girls AND women you both are!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amy....both of you were and are stunning....Happy Day, childhood friends are precious.
ReplyDeleteWOW you both looked amazing in 6th grade and still look amazing after 18 years.....how does this happen...do share your secret!!! so exciting that you met up with her and that you got to go to Disneyland...I hold that place very dear to my heart...shsshshshsh dont tell anyone but Im related to Pluto!!!! He's my very best friend!!! Hope you got to see him!!!!
ReplyDeleteHope your little one is feeling better also!! so not fun to have the kiddos sick,and I vacation to boot....have a safe trip home
luv and hugs
Tif
Mindy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching post...I love it.
I agree with the others...you both are just BEAUTIFUL!!
I sure hope she is a lover of your music because I sure am.
Blessings to you,
Cathy
I agree with the others. Were you really 6th graders? Sure doesn't look like an 18 year gap:) Suna sounds like a wonderful woman doing good things to make the world a better place, as do you Mindy. Happy reunion for you, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! She is beautiful, and it is always so nice to get to reconnect with those from our past, especially childhood, and that is one of the perks for modern technology...keeping in contact or reconnecting! Love this! :)
ReplyDeleteMindy
ReplyDeleteI've heard your music many times on Nie Nie blog but can't access it through Itunes because I live in Canada. Any suggestions or something that I am missing
Love the fresh approach you have to all you do. It really is a dollop of vanilla ice cream in an orange soda.
Thanks, Bonnie! My music is actually on iTunes in Canada, but if for some reason you can't find it, you can buy the CD through my web site and I will ship it to you. Just go to the store at www.mindygledhill.com. You should also be able to download the MP3s through www.cdbaby.com if you prefer that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMindy, What a wonderful reunion story! I moved around quite a bit in my childhood. I often wonder what ever happened to my best friend, Rachel, from the 5th grade. I'm so glad you got to met back up with Suna.
ReplyDeleteI love your music and I'm so glad I found your blog.
Blessings to you!