Joni is my sister, my truest friend. If I know anything about my future, it is that my relationship with her is going to be one of the most important and meaningful elements of my life. We are different in almost every way, but we do have the exact same laugh, the same love of peanut butter and the beach, and the same need for the love and support of the other. I love her with all my heart.

"She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink." ~Barbara Alpert

Melissa and I are both from Aberdeen. Attending the same high school and later the same college, we really started our friendship there, as roommates. She was a year older than I was so never having an older sister, Melissa was and is the closest thing. She's my role model, leading me in faith and helping me become the person I am today. She is an amazing woman; someone who is wise and generous, who listens. She has enriched my life and I love her!

"I can trust my friends. These people force me to examine my life, encourage me to grow." ~ Cher

Lezlie and I met in college, while visiting my friend Brita in Bismarck, ND during summer break. She is a strong, self-sufficient woman who has always encouraged me to be true to myself. I have leaned on her many times in my life, using her strength to get through. She's a true and honest friend who is not afraid of saying the truth, even if it’s not convenient to the ones who hear it. She has always had my best interest in her heart and I couldn't imagine my life with out her.

"The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had." ~Author Unknown

Brita and I met of freshman year at UND. I remember thinking that I had never met a person like her, who is so much like me. We clicked instantly and our friendship has strengthened ever since. Brita is a true believer that people are naturally good, even when they seem to be the opposite. She has always believed in me, giving me the confidence to get through anything. Brita is true to herself, something I have always admired and learned from; I'm so grateful to have her in my life.

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are." ~ Unknown

Mandy and I also met our freshman year at UND. Mandy is the most genuine person I have ever met, so kind and generous. She's a true listener and is always the first one to take initiative to help others. One of the things I love most about her is her ability to put the people she loves first; always making them feel appreciated and loved. Her sincerity is a blessing and she brings the best out in me.

"A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should." ~Author Unknown

Val and I met in college. They say friendship involves recognition or familiarity with another's personality. That would definitely be the case with Val and me. Her and I clicked from the moment we met. She's the sort of person who makes everything more fun, just by being there. Her loyalty and faithfulness is endearing. I treasure all the times we've talked, cried, and laughed. Along the way, she has taught me that wisdom has little to do with age, but more with character. I love her to pieces.

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." ~Albert Schweitzer

Sitting next to each other the first day of Grad School, Em and I instantly had a connection. I'm not sure if it was that we had so much in common or if it was the innate sense to lean on each other in order to get through the next two years; either way, we created an amazing friendship. Em is one of the most trustworthy and reliable people in my life. Our friendship is comfortable. I always know that, barring the unexpected, she will be there for me.

"A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." ~Lois Wyse

Lauren and I have known each other since we were 10 years old. Her support throughout my life has been unconditional. Her and I are the type of friends who can let months go by without talking and pick up right where we left off. Lauren knows me good enough to see my weaknesses but has always believed in my potential. I am so grateful for her support and love throughout the years and I can't imagine my wedding day without her there.

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." ~Elisabeth Foley