I don’t know why, exactly, this entry has been so hard to write. Perhaps it’s because we’ve been waiting four years for this moment, and it’s here. Now. This very day, hour, second. My best friend of 15+ years, Brianna Glenn, has made it to the Olympic Trials and competes today in the Long Jump Finals.

You see, Bri and I decided that in order for us to escape the perils of high school P.E. class, we’d run track during sixth period. We’d lose weight, we’d laugh together, and we wouldn’t have to get sweaty midday. Though young, we knew remnants of third-period sweat repelled teenage boys in no uncertain terms. And we kinda liked boys.

A couple weeks into running track, something happened. It appeared I ran in such a way that the coaches thought I habitually dipped myself in molasses…and sand. I was then given the permanent job of raking the long jump pit during the track meets. Brianna, however, took off. No, literally, she became a flying bullet. She broke every school record, district record, and even some state records. She earned a full-ride to U of Arizona and became the national champion during her junior year of college. Brianna was nothing short of an overnight success.

And it’s something I take FULL CREDIT for. We debated between running track or playing softball during sixth period, and I assured her that we were pretty much guaranteed a spot on the track team. You see?! Without me, she would’ve been nothing!

Today, my best friend competes for a spot on the American Olympic team and I’ve been on the verge of tears all day. She’s fought four long and painful years for this moment and I’m so proud of her. Just a few weeks ago, she had to have emergency knee surgery and we weren’t sure if she’d even be able to compete. Lo and behold, she fought hard and earned a spot in the Finals. Today we discover the outcome.

Brianna, come what may, you are incredible. And you don’t need a gold medal to prove it. You’ve fought hard, but prayed harder. You’ve cried, but laughed louder. You’ve scratched, but jumped farther. You are one of the most dedicated, long-suffering, and diligent girls I know. I’m proud of you, but more proud to call you a friend. And–just like in high school–I will always be here to rake your pit.

**UPDATED TO ADD**
JD and I ordered a pizza last night and watched the Olympic Trials in hopes of getting a glimpse of Brianna. With every bite, I knew I was 437 calories farther away from the Olympic bodies I saw running, jumping, and grunting on the TV, but I learned to be okay with it. Hot, stringy cheese has a way of making anything better. Unfortunately, Bri did not qualify for the Beijing Olympics. She wrote about everything in detail on her blog, so I'll leave the description of her performance to Brianna. I'm so incredibly bummed for her, but I have to trust that God has something different in store for her life. Something we don't see or understand, but trust it's infinitely better. And until then, we'll eat enough hot, stringy cheese to make life better.