Cousins, aunts, old friends, new friends, childhood friends, mother, daughter, sister, niece... and women who barely know me:
This is for you, for all the women who have been such a wonderful source of support and friendship since starting this blog. Whether it’s simply clicking “like” on my blog link on Facebook, posting a life affirming message on my FB wall, sending an email or responding to one of my blog entries, you have really touched me with your efforts to express compassion and solidarity. Thank you, most sincerely.
One of the few perks of losing a marriage is rediscovering what a blessing it is to have time with female friends. I’d forgotten the sheer bliss of going to a spa with a girlfriend, having lunch, brunch, dinner, going clothes shopping, seeing a play, seeing a film, cooking together, discovering new restaurants, sampling new cocktails, laughing uproariously, sharing books... the list goes on. Tomorrow I’m even having an old fashioned sleepover, except at this age, we don’t have to beg our parents for money to order take-out or rent videos. We can dress up for dinner and not have to take a bus to get there AND we can drink too much white wine (back at home) and not have to worry about being caught.
I’m averaging about 3 blocks of ‘girlfriend time’ per week and it is staggeringly restorative. Each woman is precious and bright, and a reminder to me that I must surely be of value since these beloved friends choose to spend time with me.
So much of popular culture includes representations of women being pitted against each other over a man, over style, over power in the workplace, over attractiveness, yet there is not a single element of competition between me and any of the women who are part of my life. We are genuinely happy for each other when good things come our way, and genuinely saddened by each other’s losses and heartbreaks.
God has put angels in my path to help me through some dark days, and I am grateful. You know who you are. Thank you. Bless you. I love you!
Allyson, I feel blessed to have been able to reconnect with you. So glad you are having brighter days. Anxious to have a block of your girlfriend time again; you're right, it is so healing as well as just really fun!! We all love you,too! Debbie
ReplyDeleteWell, I recognize your foot ... if my foot was in the photo, you'd see bright yellow toenails painted by my precious 9 year old who has decided to spoil me with spa night on a regular basis. I'm blessed in so many ways, and your friendship is at the top of my list. Now, schedule me in to your roster!
ReplyDelete