Desiree and I met in 2003 when we worked at the same campus. I definitely can't pinpoint when our friendship blossomed; it just happened overtime and she became the sister I never had. She's my biggest cheerleader, outside of my parents of course, and she is the definition of a true friend. She never judges. And she's not only been there for me when it's been convenient, but has also been there when it hasn't been so convenient.

Chetonya and I have known each other since our mid-twenties. Being friends with her is like looking in a mirror. We are both unapologetically ourselves and know that is the reason we have been friends for so many years. I can always count on her to give me her honest opinion, and she really doesn't care if I want to hear it or not. She's the one who knows I'm not okay even when I say I am, and I am always grateful for her listening ear.

Teshana and I have known each other since our college years. After college, Teshana decided she was ready to be a city girl and moved to Houston, allowing us to grow closer as I was her personal Mapquest, helping her navigate the city. Our friendship flourished when Teshana decided to become a teacher and we worked at the same campus. She is one of my travel partners and my spiritual voice of reason. She will always point me to God and scripture in times when I need it the most.

Janice is Robert's aunt but definitely more like a sister. He can recall times they fought over who got what was left in the cake bowl, as well as a fight over a sandwich. Apparently, Robert wanted a sandwich but Janice beat him to the 3 slices of bread left. Guess who had a sandwich and who didn't. Robert says Janice was just spoiled. (But I'm sure they both were.) They both competed for attention from Robert's grandmother, Janice's mom. But Robert insists he was his grandmother's favorite, and Janice only became the favorite once he moved to California.

Shelley and I met while we were both teaching in Abu Dhabi. She had the bubbly personality that meant she never met a stranger, and I was the person who had to figure people out before I decided to welcome them in. Needless to say, I welcomed her in. We have traveled the world together, having all kinds of laughs and giggles together as we collect passport stamps. I affectionately gave her the title of "sista" as she is a permanent fixture in my life, always being there offering words of encouragement, love, and support.

Duane is the cousin that Robert looked up to like a big brother. Actually, everyone looked up to Duane. Duane was the basketball star. He was the one that went to college on a scholarship, and then later joined the military. Duane was one of the people that inspired Robert to go to college. And Robert admits Duane joining the military completely changed his perspective of the military, which is why he joined. Duane simply carved out a path that Robert followed into adulthood.

Whew Clyde! That's right. With Clyde, whew is what you say because he is the wild one of the bunch. And as Robert says, the slick one. Clyde is another cousin that is more like a brother and Robert recounts times that they would fight each other like brothers do, and other times when they would fight others together like brothers do. Robert told me the story of one epic Bayou Classic weekend but I won't tell that story here. (Ask at the wedding.) Robert says when he gets with Clyde, that's definitely the time he wilds out and is less reserved than usual.

Walter is Janice's husband but they all grow up together in the infamous Press Park. Robert remembers Walt as the good guy growing up, definitely quieter than than everyone else. Robert and Walt are both sports fans so they always connect through sports. But there is one thing Robert, a die-hard Saints fan, just can't understand. Why in the heck is Walter a Falcons fan. Robert constantly questions Walt's wrong team choice.

Stephen is Robert's younger brother. They are 17 years apart so Robert often describes his interactions with Stephen more like that of a father and son. Robert often says that Stephen was a good kid and was a delight to be around. In Robert's words, "he just grew up different' having lived in California and being far removed from the New Orleans environment. Outside of changing Stephen's diapers, Robert remembers most how much people loved to hear Stephen speak because everyone loved to hear that California accent he had.