Courtesy of Valerie Hodges

Valerie Hodges (left) and Jennifer Dishner-Takmaz as high school seniors.

Change is common these days. Stop at the gas station and prices are changing weekly, and up and up they go at the grocery store as well.

It's nice to know some things are unchangeable in life. For Jennifer Dishner-Takmaz and Valerie Hodges, it is the constant and steady friendship they have shared for more than 27 years. These two, just-under-40 women look like the same fresh-faced girls of years gone by. Their friendship -- or sisterhood, as Jennifer calls it -- has not changed in all that time. Just as they appear in the picture, these women and the friendship they share are timeless.

Jennifer and Valerie met in 1981, in seventh grade. Jennifer is the comical one and Valerie the quiet one. They were a wonderful combination from the start, and today each still complements the other. It is Jennifer with her wit who makes Valerie laugh, and Valerie with her no-nonsense demeanor who tells Jennifer the real truth and not just what she wants to hear.

Over the years both have dealt with the ups and downs of life, knowing heartbreak, marriage, birth, death, and illness -- all the things that make life interesting and challenging. Jennifer even moved to Maine and lived there for a few years before returning home to Roanoke.

Through all this, the bond and the sisterhood remain intact. Both women agree, whether on the phone, through e-mails, or face-to-face, that it's a wonderful thing to always know you have love and acceptance from another.

These days Jennifer and Valerie enjoy shopping and dining, and one of their current favorites is Ben Gui Sushi in Southwest Roanoke County. Valerie admits to being addicted to sushi after Jennifer introduced her to the delicacy. Another addiction the friends share is shopping, especially at craft or antique stores such as Buy The Season on Apperson Drive.

An unspoken tradition for the women is attending Olde Salem Days; it is understood that every year they will go together. Even when Jennifer lived in Maine, she would always make a special trip back home just for this event. It's a constant, something to count on, just like their friendship. In a world of change, Jennifer and Valerie have a friendship based on unconditional acceptance.

The two friends have definite plans for the future: a weekend getaway to the beach. Of course, their trip will involve lots of sushi and shopping. The friendship between Jennifer and Valerie is never changing regardless of what life hands them.

Teresa Aurnou is a teacher and mother who enjoys spending time with her daughter, traveling and the rare luxury of finding time to read a good book.