Marcia and Jeff, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one”

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” Bernard Meltzer

I'd like to introduce you to Elder and Sister French (Jeff and Marcia). Marcia is the Mental Health Advisor for the Philippine area. She is my therapist, confidant, cohort in crime, "Jack" watching partner, best buddy, eternal friend, my other me. She is definitely the princess to my queen. Steve describes our relationship as indescribable. The fun, happiness, and exuberance for life that we portray when we are together is inspiring, contagious and at times, I am sure, obnoxious. We have been known to discuss a gospel principle for 4 hours non stop, burst out laughing at any given moment over something that happened days ago, to yell "Julia Vargas" randomly when asked "What street is that," and walk down the mall arm in arm or holding hands. I have no words to state my feelings for her. I feel, understood, excepted on all levels, valued, loved, non threatened, and respected, but most importantly to me I feel liked just as I am. I guess the closet thing to describe our relationship is unconditional love. The best thing about this friendship is that all four of us like "all four of us. Steve and Macia tease each other constantly. Steve has become very fast in covering his ears when he makes a smart remark to protect himself from Marcia's incredibly accurate ear flick with her finger; and Jeff and I have so many of the same likes that it is amazing. We often joke that Marcia is the feminine Steve and Jeff is the masculine me. Our Taco Monday Family Nites, Saturday Grocery shopping, our trips to Tanay to buy (it's a secret!), and marathon "Jack" nights are never to be forgotten, not to mention the Burger King runs! Marcia and Jeff are our guardian angels sent to us from a kind and lovely Heavenly Father who knew of the struggle we would face. After the diagnosis I apologized to Jeff for the hole I was about to leave in their life and his comment back to me was, "It won't be for long." That was the most comforting thing that anyone could have said to me. Marcia helped me through the shock phase by telling me that whatever my reaction was, it was the right one for me. She then waited patiently for the anger phase and when is finally exploded about 3 days later at something so totally removed from what was going on she calmly explained what was happening. They have been there for us in every way and I know that they will continue by our side every step we take from this point on. Love you "Fred" and "Marcia, Marcia."