This Is Also True

Next week, I get to have three days with girlfriends.  We have known each other for 28 years.  One is from Olympia, one from Arkansas, one from California.  We know each other's husband's and children well.  We had some years when we didn't get together as a foursome, but always have seen each other two at a time or one on one.   About 5 years ago, we decided it was important that we plan and set aside time to be on purpose to make it happen.  We are from all different walks of life - in every way.  One of us is a marathoner, one runs a ranch, one operates a mini storage, some of us have lots of money, some not so much.    One of us home schooled, some are into higher education, some are travelers, some travel light,  some are perfectionists, one is a messy, some are artistic, some are reserved, some out there, some are into natural health and on it goes.  One is a Mary, the other's are Martha's.  We're all still married to our original spouses.  All have been faithful.  We have been involved, creative mother's investing in our children and committed to home being a safe place.  The way we each did this was completely different, but the results are the same;  our kids have become our friends in the truest sense of the word.   All of are successful in different ways.  We all read and love to grow and become, change.  We have all had times of complete breakdowns, times of excruciating sadness, betrayal, depression and dark winter of the soul; then we got up, brushed ourselves off and skipped, danced and twirled once again, maybe limping, but moving ahead.

Somehow when we're together how we're different isn't important.  What becomes apparent is the long history of love we have.  The unconditional support and encouragement we give each other.  Sometimes too, a swift kick, or a match lit, or a cup of courage or wake up call.......

I value these times and look forward to it, anticipate it with butterflies.   This year we are meeting at a little cottage in West Seattle on the water by the Vashon Ferry dock.   I know where to take them for the best coffee in the world and a wonderful meal on the island.   

Being girls, we talk till our jaws ache, laugh until our stomachs feel like we've been doing crunches, and cry till the tears run sweet and pure again.  We get rid of the hot and bitter bile that maybe collected unknowingly.  We remember how much fun it is to play and laugh till we ache.  We say all the things that need said, outloud, listen, try to understand, hear, and empathize but most of  all we remind each other of the good parts, frame it, capture it and hold it up like a mirror, so we can see and recognize there's La Dolce Vita also......When we say, "Don't forget that this is also true, girlfriend".