Pictured above is me, at the ripe ole' age of almost two months, and that child with those gorgeous locks petting me would be Brandi Suzan Martin. As you can tell, we go waaaay back. Brandi, or my non-cousin as I so affectionately refer to her as, is technically my cousin by marriage. My dad's sister, Aunt Tonya, is married to Uncle Slade, who is Brandi's mom's brother. So while there is none of the same blood running through our veins, Brandi and I are about as close to cousins as non-cousins can get. We have spent a majority of our summers together in Columbia at Tee and Unc's house, attended many of our two shared cousins' birthday parties, and watched each other grow into the people we are today. Luckily, as the years have flown by, Brandi and I have become much more than non-cousins. I am so blessed to call Brandi Martin one of my very best friends. And, while more often than not there is quite a bit of distance between us (she lives in TN, I live in NC), she is someone I know I can always count on, and that is the true marker of a wonderful friend.
Not only do we share a middle name, but we also share a deep love for One Tree Hill (matched by no other fans in the history of the show), a sassy/sweet attitude about life, and a desire for others to know more about Jesus. While I wouldn't say B and I have a lot in common, I will say that we never run out of things to talk about. Growing up, our conversations were centered around the boys we liked at the time (you know exactly who I'm referring to, B) and the struggles of two teenage girls. Now, while our conversations are still very similar (her talking about Chris, me talking about Al, us talking about the struggles of young adulthood), they are few and far between, which makes me cherish them even more. There are times we go months without talking, but we always seem to pick up right where we left off, and I think that says a lot about the bond Brandi and I share.
One of my favorite memories with Brandi is a fairly recent one. The morning this memory occurred, I had just driven home from Charlotte and went straight to the movies to see The Longest Ride with my sister and my roommate. Now, I'm a sucker for a Nicholas Sparks movie, or any movie that has a love story, so I knew what I was in for when I bought my ticket for this one. However, my emotions were extra strong that day, so I walked out of the movie theatre afterwards with tears still streaming down my face. I couldn't shake the feeling I had after watching that movie, but now I know why. My roommate, sister, and I had just gotten in the car, hadn't even pulled out of the parking lot yet, when Kayla and I got a text from Brandi with a picture of her ENGAGEMENT RING!!! The excitement and emotions were unreal! We both feverishly texted back and asked for details, and that's when she called us. Thinking about that conversation still gets me teary-eyed to this day. Brandi walked us through the sweetest engagement story ever, and, by the end, Kayla and I couldn't even talk because we both we crying so hard. It's such a sweet moment when someone you have grown up with and loved for your whole life calls you and tells you she's going to be a wife! Words can't describe a moment like that. However, Kayla and I were ecstatic for her, and we couldn't wait for June to come so we could see her smiling face on her annual family beach trip, which is where, unbeknownst to us, she asked us both to be her bridesmaids (aka my all-time favorite memory with her).
The future Mrs. Brandi Carter is truly one-of-a-kind. She is smart, loving, and an awesome toenail painter (had to throw that one in there). She is also kind, compassionate, and selfless, which will make her an excellent wife and someday mother. I am so excited to witness this next huge step in her life and am so honored that I was asked to be a part of it.
Brandi, you will never know the impact you have made on my life. From giving me advice about boys that weren't worth my tears to sending me a prayer journal when I asked Jesus into my heart, you have always been the most thoughtful person I know, and I couldn't ask for a sweeter non-cousin than you. I can't tell you how excited I am for you and Chris as you begin this journey of marriage together. I have been praying over this season of engagement that you're in and will continue to pray over your marriage as you two begin your lives together. Know that I am always here supporting you both and that I am always just a phone call away. You are more like a best friend to me than you are a cousin, but even more than that, you are more like a sister to me than you are a best friend. I am so thankful for the relationship we have always shared! Thank you for everything you do for me, even from a distance! I am SO PUMPED for September 26! I cannot wait to be in Tennessee celebrating your wedding weekend with you! I love you more than you'll ever know, you beautiful bride-to-be!!
