Signs of hope

Have you ever met a new friend and you didn’t feel that instant connection in the very first moment? Like it wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows and magical BFFs at first? But once you took the time to really see her for who she is, you can’t get enough?
That’s my friend Stephanie Hanrahan.
I met her at the end of one particularly fun HeartStories Girls Night Out. I remember it like it was yesterday. She stayed afterward, waited to introduce herself and say “hello” to me. She was so kind and genuine. She mentioned how much she appreciated what we were doing and I thanked her. We spoke for all of about 3 minutes and then parted ways.
I had no idea that we would later become friends.
I was tired and in search of a bed. (I dont think I would have known Reese Witherspoon if she was standing there that night.) …