My Girls!

I just glanced at my back patio and wished again for the healing, deep laughter of last Saturday night.  I have a wonderful group of lady friends and we were all on the patio last weekend.  Our plan is to get together every month.  But, you know, the best laid plans....  It was the first time in months that we had been together. These are busy ladies.  All are working.  All are married and most still have teenagers at home.   There have been months when I've had too much going on at home to meet up with the others.  We have kick-started our group again recently.  Hopefully.  Permanently. 

We are all in the elementary teacher field, which gives us a twisted sense of humor.  You should hear us hooting and hollering about school experiences.    I think it is similar to medical humor.  Unless you are in the field, you don't need to hear it.  One person reported on the naked neighbor, one on supervisor problems and another with amazing news of a wedding the previous weekend (her own! - on the down-low).  One can do great impressions of any wayward elementary student she meets.  Lots of laughing.  Loud, raucous laughter.  Laughter that stretches to the bottom of your toes.  Something that we all needed. 

Almost every single person in the group of eight has has gone through a serious tragedy in the past few years.  The group has literally dealt with death, near death, and very serious illnesses.  There have been very tough moments, financially, personally, and professionally.  Each person managed it with such strength.  The changes will affect the rest of our lives.  Some appeared to have recovered.  For others, the scars are deeper.   We are ladies in our 50s (well, there may be one not there yet, my apologies to you!).  The natural drama of our lives is going to speed up, not slow down. 

These are my models for how to move into the future.  One person is special because she in "my friend" and strong.  Another is wise.  One is brave.  One is creative.  One is loving.  One is classy and calm.  One is a seeker.  All can laugh.  The years ahead will hold increasing challenges.  Here's to many years together! God bless us all.