May 10, 2011

Greatest gift ever...

Throughout our Army career, I have been blessed with a lot of wonderful people who have come in and out of my life at various stages.  With this being Joe's third deployment, I knew that I had to change my self-care as I have a lot more stressors right now: full-time job that deals with grief day in and day out, child, being own housekeeper, yada yada yada.  I knew that I needed to surround myself by amazing, strong friends who would help me out and call me out on my bull crap.

I have several of these friends but two stand out to me right now in their own spotlight. 

First, my sister Megan.  We were definitely not close growing up, and we didn't really start to become close until Porter was born.  It was as though something clicked.  I know that I can call her at any second, and she will be there.  We have a bond that took years to develop.  We are so similiar and yet so different.  But, isn't that the reason why it works?

Second, my great friend Ayse.  We have been so through so much together in the last almost two years.  Co-FRG leaders, staying up until midnight putting together a cake train, hours of conversations, countless dinners, and Auntie Ayse.  She puts me in my place and tells it like it is.  Most of the time I don't want to hear it at the time, but she is always right.  I never really had close girlfriends growing up, and I count her as one of a small handful that I can truly call a best friend.

Together, these amazing women collaborated to give me the greatest gift. Memories.  What greater gift is that? Look below:




A book just for me. And, for someone who is always behind the camera, it is so nice to have pictures of my favorite little guy from birth to now-with me in them!

So, thank you lovely ladies for giving me a tangible object to carry with me that will reaffirm why I am a mother. On the good and bad days,

I love you girls.