My Ode to Callie.

Some of you may know this lady. Some of you may not. So let me introduce Miss Callie Dunaway. (the blonde on the left, wait . . . you're right, my left if you were me in the photo, I think).


She's pretty fantastic in many, many ways. Her shoe and fine jewelry collection is unbelievable, as long as I've known her she's had roughly 3 feet of the most gorgeous hair you've ever seen, and she is perhaps one of the funniest, most loyal people you will ever meet. Callie was one of my first friends at our beloved Samford, and I have fond memories of IM-ing (I included a link in case you forgot what that was) one another to meet and go to the Caf promptly at 5:30, and standing on the lawn of Vail (the freshman girls dorm) on move out day hugging one another and just weeping because freshman year was over. Yes, it was that fun. Callie and I also were roommates in the ZTA house . . . and the insanely hilarious moments are too many too count. Let's just say I will never look at a green towel wrap or scissors in the shower the same way EVER again.

I had the privilege of spending time with this dear friend this past weekend at the gorgeous wedding of this stunning . . . nay . . . EXQUISITE bride.


(And yes, we made her pose like that for solo shots - she was just that fabulous looking.) Perhaps the things I love the most about Callie, are the things you would never know about her by just meeting her. Callie is currently giving a potentially life-threatening illness a whoopin' like you wouldn't believe, but that journey is hers to tell. And careful if you click on that link, you might just pee your pants from laughing too hard.

What I love about Callie, is that despite whatever might be going on in her body right now, she is still every bit of fabulous Callie. Ruthless, fun-loving, hysterical Callie. This invader in her body cannot define her . . . victim, survivor, whatever words you might typically associate with this wretched disease aren't enough to describe Callie. She is, was and will be Callie - a woman who is only defined by who God made her to be. That and her fabulous Mississippi accent.

After our time together I left thinking about not the "what if's" or "can you believe its" about her situation, but truly in awe of how she is exactly the same, despite the curve balls life has thrown her in the past year. It would be so easy to let these type of things change or embitter you, but no m'am . . . not Callie.

To me, that is a powerful marker of her character. Regardless of any diagnosis, dark days or doubts, who she is and the God she believes in has not changed. I have no question that she would be the first to tell you honestly (and hilariously) about her struggles along this journey, as I know that any of us would also experience if we were in her oh-so-sassy shoes. But what I love about Callie is how her tenacious nature hasn't just accepted a diagnosis, she has fought it and made it dance to her tune.

Seriously, this girl figures if these are the cards she's dealt - she's going to make them work in her favor. So you better believe homegirl made a list of people she thought should call her so that she could beat the thing. Now I'm not just talking about "Jordan so-and-so from high school who I always thought was cute", I'm talking musicians, political leaders, sports figures - this girl made a list and these people CALLED her. That's how Callie rolls . . . life isn't just about making lemonade - its about making sangria!!

While I know that Callie is still in the thick middle of all this madness, I couldn't help but reflect on my admiration for her faith, courage, and absolute charisma in the midst of it all. So Callie, thank you for being my hero. Thank you for knowing so clearly who you are and holding so tightly to who God is, that nothing could shake you. Thank you for letting every bit of your sassiness shine even brighter on dark days, you are such a beautiful soul. I am grateful that in the midst of spending hours and days on your bath mat, we could meet you in this journey, and know Jesus better because of who He is in you. I love you sweet friend - go get 'em!!