Janice & Olivia
Janice and Olivia met when Olivia was just eight years old. Curious to see who she’d be spending time with, Olivia eagerly ran out the door to meet Janice during their first introduction. “I was so excited. When we first met I was waiting at the screen door, and since that first day, everything just felt right,” said Olivia. There was an immediate, warm connection. Together they explored their creative sides by painting, doing art projects, and lots and lots of cooking! Cooking played a huge role in their friendship. As a team they tackled new recipes, like miso soup, sushi, and more! To this day, Olivia enjoys cooking, so much so that when she spots something she’d like to eat, she prefers to make it at home! Regardless of what they filled their time with, Olivia knew she would be in good hands and in a safe space. In spite of the fact that their home life was very different from each other, they never ran out of things to talk about, do together, or try out for the first time. They created many special moments, including when Janice picked Olivia up from elementary school to witness the adoption of her new cats – Olivia felt like they were hers as well.
The pair became family. Olivia invited Janice to her birthday celebrations, barbeques, and other milestone events. In 2019, Janice watched Olivia walk across the stage for her high school graduation. “She worked so hard to make that happen, and I am so proud of her," said Janice. “It was such a special day.” Throughout her high school journey, Olivia received so much support from Janice and feels very thankful to have had her. “I honestly don't think I would have graduated high school if it wasn't for her,” said Olivia. “She went to all of the meetings with my principal about my anxiety at school. I truly felt like I couldn't do it, and she supported me through that. She also supported me in getting accepted into college.”
Olivia is now 22, and she and Janice continue to have a strong connection. “I never felt like I would still be connected this many years after the fact – and be family,” Janice said. “I appreciate it but never expected it.”
Olivia says Janice has supported her through everything she has wanted to do in life. “Janice is very kind and very helpful,” Olivia said. “She has always tried to find a solution and help me out in any way that she can, even all my crazy ideas, and all the different career paths that I thought that I wanted to do – she’s always been so helpful – and I really, really appreciate that.”
Regardless of what path Olivia decides to take in her future, she doesn’t question Janice’s continued support.
Both Olivia and Janice feel their friendship has impacted each of their lives for the better. “She changed my life in so many ways, and vice versa. We have been friends for a lifetime now,” Janice said. “She is now an amazing young woman looking at all of the exciting possibilities for her in the future.” Janice said. Olivia says she has learned many things from Janice over the years. “She’s not trying to teach me to be a certain way, or be like her,” Olivia said. “She's so poised. She's just living her life and inspires me through that. When I was younger I don't think I understood, but I can now recognize that she has had so much impact in my life. I thought maybe we might do this for a little while, then fall off, but time passed, and we were like OMG, it's been 5 years…it's been 8…wow, now more than 10!“
“I just want her to know that she has given me the greatest gift of friendship and has loved me unconditionally since I was a little girl. Now that I’ve grown up, I feel immense appreciation for everything she has done for me and continues to. She is the role model of my dreams and the best person you could wish to learn from. She’s taught me so much about life and about myself, and I am incredibly grateful.”