One Family. Three Reactions.

When I was attending pharmacy school, there were several of us who bonded (from the first day). We grew close, as the years of schooling continued. Despite graduating eight years ago, we have remained friends and still get together at least twice a year - once as couples and once with our children (with an occasional all girls trip thrown into the mix). Life can get so busy and so unbearable, but we Pharm Girls have all chosen to make the time to stay friends. 

We are from all over the Southeastern area of the United States (Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky), and one of us even being from the country of Latvia. We contact one another when we discover we are pregnant, when we want to strangle our husbands, when one of our kids does something amazing, when one of our kids does something horrifying (ATE CAT LITTER!!!), when we need a shoulder to cry on, and when we need someone with whom to celebrate. These ladies have seen me through my ups and downs over the years, as I have seen them through theirs. I, honestly, have no idea what I would do without this core group of women - my very best friends.

With that being said, some of these women's families I know very well, while others I have only met a handful of times (i.e., when they would visit, during pharmacy school). One such family that I have only met a time or two (and the last time I saw them being the day we graduated) is Vanessa's family. I know the basics (where her parents live, that she has a brother), but due to the fact that I never see them, I have made no permanent associations with them.

A few weeks ago, Vanessa and her aforementioned family all went to Walt Disney World together. It was an exciting family trip, and Vanessa kept us (being the Pharm Girls) up-to-date with texts and postings of excitement on Facebook. One such post was a picture of Vanessa on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The photo, which can be seen below, is classic Vanessa.

As one can see, Vanessa is TERRIFIED of roller coasters! However, she is a trooper and rode it, anyway (panic attack and all). While I was proud of her for fighting through one of her fears, I had to poke fun, as ANY good friend would do. So, I commented on her post. 

"It is much better with your eyes open! ;)"

She responded with, "My eyes were closed 50% of the time!!!! #ImAWimpOnRollerCoasters."

I quipped, "Obviously, because the man beside you - and even the one behind you - look like they are on a completely different ride than you!! ;)"

God forbid I stop there! (OH, NO!!) I just haaad to keep talking (posting), because who cares if I make fun of the random strangers in her photo? (Right?!) So, before she replied, I again commented.

"In your defense, the guy beside you is possibly high."

Vanessa's response, "That's my Dad and brother."

Open mouth. Insert proverbial foot. Speechless.