"What is the difference between friends and family?" Take a journey with us to explore the true meaning of this question. Follow~ "THE DYNAMIC THREESOME" : Ashlee, Raquel and Veronica! To know us is to love us! Enjoy laughing with us, crying with us, debating with us! Here is a little glimpse into who we are...
We met in the wee early years of our lives and it was love at first sight..well...
Anyway.. we have been through it all and through it all we have concurred! These girls are my rock! I seriously have no idea what life would be like without them. We laugh together, cry together, all those cliché things, but you know what's so fantastic? It just comes natural, it always has and it always will. I can be myself and vice versa. Here is a clip from when one of us was away traveling the world..:
Veronica-my twin
As I sit here, I am struggling with what to say to make this lighthearted, but it's difficult. You know from day one we have always been ride-or-die...you got in trouble, so did I and boy did we.....lol. From the early days in Mrs. Frillman's class to the high school dances at Holy Cross to college parties at Quinnipiac, you always had my back and I knew you would go down with me, even if it meant you'd get it too...Yes, we've had our moments, but who doesn't??? Actually, looking back, those moments seem so trivial and quite comical now...That's just the way we communicate sometimes :) I know that over the last few years it has been hard for us to see each other due to the distance, money, kids, etc...but through it all we have managed to make it...there's no distance that is too far. I guess we didn't see this one coming all those years ago on the Q76 talking about where our lives would be by now...I love you more than words can express and remember, this is not goodbye, just so long for now
Raquel-the little one
I have always been so protective of you and even as I sit here typing I wonder how you will remain protected with me so far away. I guess this is what it feels like when you finally let your children spread their wings, only in this case, you are not my child....LOL...words cannot express the emptiness I am already starting to feel knowing that I won't live right down the block anymore...Knowing that I could just pop in to check on you made me feel good. I worry about you and pray that you will be ok. I know you have built a strong network in DE and trust that they all will be your shoulder to cry on (Chris & Mike...just take turns...LOL) as I'm sure you will need them pretty often. You have taught me to be better....a better mother, a better friend...What will I do without you correcting my vocabulary when I don't feel like speaking properly? or harassing me because I didn't say bless you at just the right moment?? I'm going to miss you and all of your idiosyncrasies. You guys are truly amazing and I am so lucky to have you by my side!! 3 years is not the end of the world...we'll be together again (just a tad older...but who's counting??)! I love you both to the extreme and will miss you sooooooo much!
We are AMAZING aren't we! I don't believe it's arrogant to say that we are either. I think that's what makes us amazing! We truly believe in one another, we always try to lift one another up, we always try and motivate in whatever task the other is trying to do, we do it with love and we do it with honesty! That's the difference between friends and family! Raquel and Ashlee: "You both are my family!"
I'll end with this..
They say that true friendship is rare
An adage that I believe to be true
Genuine friendship is something that I cherish
I am so lucky to have met you. (both)
Our bond is extremely special
It is unique in it's own way
We have something irreplaceable
I love you more and more each day.
We've been through so much together
In so little time we've shared
I will never forget all the moments
that you've shown me how much you cared.
Friends are forever
Especially the bond that you and I possess (WE)
I love your fun-filled personality
Somehow you never fail to impress.
The world could use more people like you
it would certainly be a better place
I love everything about you
You are someone I could never replace.
You are always there for me
When my spirits need a little lift
I cannot thank you enough for that
You are truly an extraordinary gift.
You are everything to me and more
I could never express that enough
Life is such a treacherous journey, and
Without you it would be even more tough. (both)
Our story will continue to grow
With each passing day
Because I trust that with you by my side
Everything will always be Okay.
You are so dear to me
You know I will love you until the end
I will always be there for you, and
You will always (and forever) be my best friend. (FRIENDS) (FAMILY)
I've been reflecting a lot lately on relationships and what they mean to me. For as long as I can remember I have been best friends with Veronica and Raquel. There isn't a single moment in my life that I don't remember them being there. We have traveled through this thing called life together for almost 30 years and I am a better person because of them. From getting in trouble at Chapel to planning our "grown up" lives on the Q46 to venturing off in separate directions for college to marriage (and divorce) and children to careers and life beyond 35, we have been there for each other. That is not to say that we haven't gotten on each other's nerves during the last 30 years, but somehow, we remain honest and true and move on laughing and giggling (and sometimes crying...ehem...Raquel) as if we were 7 years old again.
I recently came upon a post on Facebook that said something along the lines of "show up" when referring to friendships. It basically stated that in order for a friendship to be successful (or any relationship for that matter), you had to "show up". It got me thinking and I realized that it's one of the reasons why we have remained such good friends for so many years. I don't think it is even a question in any of our minds whether or not we would show up for the other two. We just do. From birthdays to funerals, graduations, and births, we always find a way to "make-it-happen". It doesn't just mean in person, it means "be there". We have had countless moments where we have needed each other and may have not said anything, but the other two instinctively knew and would stop at nothing to be the support we needed or the shoulder to cry on. It's never a second thought and that is what makes it so great. 
