My Beloveds

In my last post I talked about our journey and how it was taking us to Denver.  It has been almost a year now...

I always try to instill in my children the value of each and every moment.  My voice saying "Be right here .... right now" probably echoes in their heads.  At least I hope it does.  To be completely honest, the reason I feel it is so important to teach them this is because I, at times, have a difficult time walking that walk.  This move to Denver has forced me to get down and dirty with myself.  Making new friends and creating a new life does that.  It forces you to look into yourself.  To look at who you are as a person and what you have to offer others and what it is exactly you need from them.

In Fargo, I felt connected.  That is what the mothers of "Clara Barton Hawthorne" did for each other.  

We gathered together for coffee, to go antiquing, to go for drinks and just get silly, for retail therapy, after school on the playground, for advice on paint color .... Really, any reason to be in the presence of other women.  There is something that happens when women gather together.  They become better women.  They feed off of the strengths of each other, learn from each others weaknesses .... they nurture each others souls.  

Leaving the safety of my beloved nest of CBH friends has been hard.  At CBH we were all big fish in a little sea.  In my new home, Willow Creek, I feel like a little fish in a very big sea.  Don't get me wrong; these women are amazing.  It is having to put myself out there again that is difficult.  Hoping that they get my jokes, like my style, admire my creativity, accept my downfalls, and want to be my friend regardless of all of this.  The vulnerability of it all is the most difficult.

What I have learned is that we all feel this way and embracing our own vulnerability and helping others with theirs is what connects us.  Some women are kindred spirits and will probably never leave your side no matter what part of the world life takes you.  I am blessed with a friend like that...

Some friends come into our lives as family...

Sometimes you happen into their lives and desperately hope they like you for you....

..... and are so thankful when they do.

So here's to my cherished girlfriends, however you came into my life, it is better because of you: Missy, Heather, Shadai, Kellee, JessAnne, Katie, Amy, Gayle, Connie, Laurie, Kris, Liz, Becca, Colleen, Kathleen, Ricca, Heidi, Denise, Judy, Heather, Laura, Jen, Ginger, Amber, Frances, Michelle, Michelle, Lydia, Janelle, Leah, Patty, Erin, Allison, Abby, ....