Tarah & Erica were born within two weeks of each other in 1988. Erica was born in Florida and Tarah was born in Texas. Tarah's mom, Sally, and Erica's mom, Ellen, were both struggling with being single parents. Both had a lot of support from their families, which certainly helped.
When the girls were about six months old, the moms started waiting tables at the same restaurant in Houston. They didn't know each other very well but were friendly enough at work. One night, both moms were surprised to see each other at a neighborhood day care that stayed open late to accommodate parents who worked odd hours. After talking a bit they discovered that the girls were the same age and were probably in the same room together.
Miss Mary brought both girls out and exclaimed, "Oh, yes, these babies are best friends. Always touching each others' faces and looking in the mirror at each other. And strong, too. Girl, one day these two were movin' the cribs around the room--with the babies still in 'em! I think it's time these girls moved up to the toddler room!"
That night marked the beginning of two friendships. A sincere friendship between Ellen and Sally--full of shared struggles and triumphs, understanding, babysitting favors, and laughs. And, of course, the friendship between two little girls named Erica and Tarah, who are now officially teenagers and who still consider themselves to be each other's "best friend."
In an age of instability, fast lanes, new jobs, and new schools, we are all truly blessed to have found each other and to have maintained our family friendships for so long. We are blessed to have Tarah and Erica in our lives--so healthy, talented, funny, caring, and smart. They are great girls and we love them both very much!
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