Jeniqueka Bradley, Courtney Troxler-Barnes and Shannan Townsend. I know, I know, I know, I said I wasn’t going to pick any family members, but hear me out…we’re family by force, but we’re friends by choice. So never mind the fact that we’re cousins, today I want to thank my friends.

We literally go back like “babies and pacifiers” and I can’t write a novel this morning. However, I refuse to allow these 30 Days of Thanks to go by without acknowledging you ladies. From going to church with Courtney and Shannan as children, to going to college with Jeniqueka, we’ve been through plenty and I’m thankful I’ve had you ladies along for this crazy journey. I was reading our group chats the other day and all I could do was laugh. We are crazy! Like certified crazy! Well maybe only JB! LOL

  
Shannan– My cousister (cousin sister) Thank you for sharing your mom and your room with me as a child. It was hard enough being the oldest of three and then for me to come along I know it had to be some adjustments. However, you handled it like a pro! Thank you for choosing me to be the Godmother to little chucky, I mean Rashir. LOL He has to be one of the smartest, silliest, best dressed little kids around and my heart skips a beat every time he says “now Danielle”. Thank you for trusting me with your secrets and always being a listening ear. Thank you for always supporting me. I don’t care if it was a dance recital, a job promotion or buying Mary Kay. You are always one of the first in line and your support hasn’t gone unnoticed.

  
Jeniqueka– My dancing partner in crime. Thank you for always telling it like it is, whether I want to hear it or not. I know Ms. Bradley is going to give it to me straight…no chaser. I still don’t think Central was ready for the both of us. It was always fun running into you on the yard and seeing the shock in some lames eyes when he realized we were cousins. I knew I could count on you for an epic read so I’d just sit back and watch. They definitely were not ready. Thank you for always cooking for me when we lived together. Thank you for not killing my dog the day he had you running all around the neighborhood. I still laugh until I cry thinking about you and that Cashew.

  
Courtney– My prayer partner and my twin because apparently we look like. I’m not sure I see it, but you’re cute or whatever so I’ll take it LOL. Thank you for your calming demeanor. You are one of the few people I can talk to that has a way of making me feel like everything is okay. Thank you for making a conscious effort to allow me to be a part of the girls lives, even though we’re many miles apart. It warms my heart so much when I ask Jayla if she remembers me, and she smiles and says “Yes, Danielle.” Thank you for one of the best birthday’s EVER! The details of that night shall never be made public, let’s just say church girls have fun too (Hey Renee) LOL. Thank your for serving our country. Pretty girls can be soldiers too!

I love you women to the moon and back. I’m so thankful for the bond we’ve formed. It truly goes beyond being forced to hang out with each other because it’s a reunion. We laugh together, cry together and laugh together some more. From keeping secrets from parents…I will never view a 20 piece nugget the same. To laughing until it hurts at dinner. From burying loved ones unexpectedly to sharing an inside joke. We do it all. You know how as kids our parents would say “What happens in this house (or family) stays in this house?” Well, that didn’t (and doesn’t) apply to you, because it’s a family affair.

Love you chicas
Danielle