Windows

Today I am reminding myself that when God closes a door, he opens a window.

Six months ago I said farewell to one of my very best friends as she moved to Virginia.

This week I hugged two others others & watched them begin the next chapter of their lives far away from mine.

They were also my best friends.  You know the ones.  The ones who...

have seen your “ugly cry” and cried with you.

will tell you that yes, those shorts do make your butt look big.

have wiped your kids’ butt, dried their tears and passed out hugs, sometimes in your presence.

will watch your child for as long as you need while capably tending to their special needs and making it a fun adventure.  Your children may not want to come home!

you can text at 8am “this child is going to die” and within 10 minutes get the reply, “playdate.  My house.  20 minutes.”  Because they know that not only do you not mean it (damn, you would jump in front of a speeding train for said child) but they read your quiet plea for help as you desperately try to refill your emotional reserves.  They will all gather together to welcome you & said child with advice, hugs of understanding and reassurance of your amazing talents as a creative & capable mom.  They will provide snacks, entertainment, & a little discipline if needed (to you and said child!).  Your are instantly restored and your children reap the benefits.  

     You leave every mommy’s night out (at 2am!) feeling connected, powerful, beautiful inside & out, passionately in love with your spouse and with a renewed appreciation for the blessings who are your family.  They do this with no expectations.  There is no debt to repay.  But you want to.  You want to give them all they have given you and more.

Today, their loss is profound.  I feel suddenly alone in this mommy journey which is fraught with potholes, storms & detours.  It’s dark & scary sometimes.  So I am reminding myself that they are still there.  They are the stars that light my path.  Their light is no dimmer & support no less.  If you have a friend whose twinkle shines on your path, give them an extra hug for me today.  And maybe even reach out to someone who could use a little extra light.  There's always room for another star.