This Ones For The Ladies

In what felt like a never-ending quest to find peace… I somehow managed to succeed. I changed jobs, got a regular schedule, spoke to a medical professional about my anxiety, and treated my anxiety. After two years of what felt like drastic changes, I felt… normal. Or how I thought normal would feel like anyway. There was only one problem. I no longer had anything to write about. My writing was always to sort through the confusion and anxiety filled space I occupied in this world. Now that I found a place that I somehow fit… there was nothing to say. And I haven’t written in a very long time because of that. The only scary part to the healing… was that I lost my words… or more accurately the reason to use them.

However, this month it was the ladies in my life that helped me find them again. I have been in awe of the amazing women I get to call my friends. So much so that over the last few weeks I have been trying to find the words that could show it. I have said time and time again eulogies should be given to the living. And I’ve done my fair share of homages but not in a very long time. So, while I’m going to highlight three extraordinary women in a minute, please know it doesn’t end there. I have been cheered on, supported, mentored, cared for, liked and loved by some of the most amazing people you will ever meet. And for the most part have surrounded myself with women who support women. I see you, I have not forgotten all that you have done, and my life has been for the better because of all of you.

But now, to the ladies who inspired the writing tonight...

CP – You have been a part of my life for more years than maybe either of us want to admit. My god we can say it’s been decades. Three of them!! We took the whole “a circles round” thing and really ran with it. I hope that I have taken the time over the years to always let you know how much your friendship has meant. I am in constant amazement to see the mother you have become to those 2 precious boys. I truly believe it was the role you were born for which should come as no surprise. We’ve been calling you mama bear long before the boys were here. Over the last few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to see you take a big chance, go outside your comfort zone, and be rewarded with something you truly earned and deserve. There is no doubt in my mind that you will fill this role as you have with any other in your life. With an open mind and an open heart and you will bring to it what only you can. Your own unique view and experience. I am so very proud of you.

JN – You are quite literally setting out and traveling the world. You are so damn brave and have inspired me to take my own risks. It may not be climbing a mountain or hiking through Iceland, but its my own version of that. For now, at least. Hopefully my risks will get a little grander over time. You naturally encourage taking that leap and going for it just by being you. You don’t “Instagram perfect” your life. You share it all. The good the bad and the ugly. You have done it with a grace and an honesty that’s commendable. One can never know the path others have walked but only try imagining being in their shoes. I think we have walked some similar murky paths, different shoes, different beasts encountered along the way. But similar paths none the less. To have found a friend who I can have those honest conversations with, who understands that particular journey, has meant a great deal. And to see someone coming out the other side of all that and truly grow and thrive and find their way on a new brighter path sparks hope. I am one of your biggest cheerleaders. Keep slaying dragons my kick ass friend.

KT – I have heard it said that introverts make friends by being found by an extrovert who adopted them. I think you adopted me. You get me, I get you, and the pure amount of “twinning” on a regular basis proves that every time. These past few weeks, just wow. You have blown me away. You are incredible and I hope you know just how damn strong you are. I would guess there are times when it hasn’t felt that way, but you are. I admit I’ve only been witness to just a few short hours of what the last month has been, but I’ve seen determination, a strong will, a surprisingly positive attitude and a “get back up on that bike” type motivation that is… is…. ugh I wish there were better words than awe-inspiring… tremendous… just, awesome. They can't really sum it up. But they are the best I can do. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know that our little girls’ club would have ever been formed. You make great things happen. You’ll continue to make great things happen. I wish nothing but the absolute best for you and I’m so glad to be able to call you, my friend. Now, lets add cruising with “Busty” on that bucket list shall we… and finally make it happen, no excuses!! How’s 2027 sound? They should be cruising again by then 😉

Love you all and Thank you all.