The Billies and How We Came to Be

Yesterday I saw my Billies. Well, two out of three of my Billies. What are the Billies? you ask. I'm glad you asked. My Billies are three of my many former roommates. We all lived together for practically two straight years (some of us more), and we have been wonderful friends ever since.

I actually stole the term "Billy" from my high school friend Ryan (inside joke and a long story), but somehow it transferred to my freshman roommate Ashley. I called her Billy the whole year. Then when Caroline and Ann-Marie joined us, they also became Billy. Sometimes for clarification purposes, we called Ann-Marie Billy-smalls. (Those who know and love her know why.) I could call on the phone, identify myself as Billy and ask to talk to Billy, and each of us knew whom I wanted. It was amazing, the connection we had with each other.

Then one day, Billy Ashley got married. She lived nearby for another year, then she moved far away to Indiana. All of us other Billies were sad. Here we are on her wedding day, along with Ashley's little sister Melanie:

Melanie, Billy Caroline, Billy Ash, Billy Ann-Marie, and me at the Nauvoo Temple

Yesterday, the other two Billies and I (and a couple of husbands and children--but they aren't really part of the Billy story, except for the fact that I suggested each of the Billies name their children Billy or Billie, after me) had yummy tin-foil dinners and s'mores at Caroline's house. It was so fun! They are such good friends of mine, and we always pick up right where we left off. Here is Ann-Marie with Caroline's son Lincoln and my little Buddy:

Lincoln, Ann-Marie, and Jared

I owe much of who I am to my sweet Billies! I love you guys!