When we think about love, commitment and support, it’s often partners, kids and families who come to mind. But what about our friends? The best of them accompany us on life’s ups, downs, twists and turns. Minocqua pals Jennifer Fitch and Lindsey Oppenheim are a testament to the power of friendship.
Jennifer is a dental assistant and mom to twelve-year-old Lizzie, and Lindsey is a family support specialist who works with Native American families on a northern Wisconsin reservation. The two worked as co-teachers at a child care center seven years ago, and they’ve been best friends ever since.
What do appreciate most about your friendship?
Lindsey: I appreciate how we don’t judge each other. How we support each other. How no matter what, the other one is there through good and bad times, through new jobs, through family drama, through my divorce and more. Our friendship survived me moving four hours away for a year as well.
What are the best things you do together?
Jennifer: Dinner, Lake Superior visits, movies, hikes, snowshoeing, ice skating, movie nights — any time we get together we have fun.
Lindsey, what’s Jennifer like as a mother? How does her being a parent affect your friendship?
Lindsey: As a mother she is steadfast and strong. She is loving and fair. When looking at Jennifer with Lizzie, you can see in her eyes how much she is proud of her daughter and how she loves to be a mother. She would do anything for her daughter. Her being a mother does not affect our relationship. Lizzie means the world to me and I am proud to be her pseudo aunt. I respect that they need and like to have days that are just the two of them. And I love every moment the three of us share together.
Jennifer, how does being a mother impact your friendship?
Jennifer: I don’t think it really does. Lindsey has become Lizzie’s surrogate aunt and takes the role on in full. She comes to a lot of her events such as recitals and school programs. She used to take Lizzie to dance when I started my new job dental assisting. She treats Lizzie like her own blood. She looks out for her.
With some people, friendships take a backseat once they have kids. How do you guys avoid this?
Lindsey: I’m not sure if this is something that we consciously think about. From the beginning it has always been the three of us and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
How have you been there for each other through tough times?
Lindsey: This question makes me cry, for I am so thankful for having Jennifer in my life. She got me through a divorce. She got me through another relationship full of lies and abuse. She listened, she distracted, she ate junk food with me, she gave me unconditional love, she made me laugh and she helped me see past everything.
Jennifer: Any time one of us needs the other, we are there or try to help the other in any way we can.
Any advice for others on keeping friendship alive and thriving?
Jennifer: Be there for each other and get together as much as you can.
Lindsey: Stay true to yourself and each other. Never judge. Love each other unconditionally. Cherish every moment.