The Three Musketeers

One thing about Brittney, she always had friends around her. From Seattle (Bellevue), Washington to Glastonbury, Connecticut. Brittney had such wonderful friends. 

The Three Musketeers: Rita, Brittney and Colleen. There was always something going on with these three. They were so much alike at times it was almost scary. They did almost everything together. This dear friendship has been a great blessing not only to Brittney but to our family as well.

Brittney had her disease (RSD) when we moved to Connecticut. She was determined not to be different. Even though we would go to Boston several times a month, she wanted us not to ask how she felt everyday. She wanted it to be her to tell us how she us feeling. This disease is so painful that most people who have it in their feet give up the will to walk. Brittney was told by some of her doctors that she would never walk across the stage at graduation and she just looked at them and told them she would prove them wrong.  And she did.

Rita and Colleen were her support system at school. They loved her through all the times she didn't feel good enough to go out. So, they would bring the party to our house. Sometimes they would just come alone and watch movie's with us. Colleen is the friend that can turn every saying or situation into something hilarious. Rita the quiet one, or so we always thought. She has always been more reserved than Britt and Colleen, sorry girls, it's true.

Anyway, one summer the two came for a visit to Bear Lake, Utah when Brittney was there working for her Grandmother (that's what she called my mom). They saw the sights of Salt Lake and had a wonderful time. I was sure that they would one day get back there, but I guess it wasn't to be.

Friendship is a word we do not use lightly when it comes to Rita and Colleen. They are like our daughters. Since Brittney's passing they have gone on to finish their college educations, found adorable men and they are both married. We miss seeing them, but they know that they are deep in our hearts forever. They went through thick and thin with our Brittney. They have an eternal bond with Brittney, that will transcend this life. Colleen and Rita spoke at the second funeral in Connecticut. Truth be told, Colleen spoke, while Rita stood by her side, hand in hand with too many tears to speak. We can tease about it now.

Neil and I just want Colleen and Rita to know how much we love them. We are so grateful that they befriended the girl from Seattle. Friend Forever-Sister By Heart.