Girlfriends

I am a blog stalker of the scrapbook "celebrities."  There are a few that I try to visit almost daily.  One of those is Cathy Z.  She has a clean style of scrapbooking and a refreshing view of life itself.  :)  I hadn't been on her blog in a few days and was touched with this video she shared that had been shared with her:







It made me really think about my life and all of the amazing women with whom I have shared my life.  I have never had a large group of friends, and I was actually pretty shy in high school.  I still hate new social situations (working with the social workers at school on that one... LOL) but over the years I have been truly blessed to have some amazing women come into my life. 

Even in high school, I had strong group of girlfriends who supported me and were a big part of my life.  Several of them are still a part of my life today... even those who move across the country.  We may lose touch for years at a time, but when it matters most we are together in spirit.

College was a tough time for me.  I had Chris back and home and didn't really enjoy the college "scene."  While I made friends and have recently made contact with a few of the girls, I just never invested in these relationships since I was so committed to getting home to Chris.  That is one of my regrets today... I wish I had taken the time to really experience college life and develop deep lasting friendships.  I've made up for that in my career, though!

Education is a female driven field.  This has its disadvantages some time for sure!  :)  However, I have also been blessed to meet many women over the years who have become a part of my daily life.  There are weeks that I spend more time with coworkers than I do my husband.  My coworkers have become some of my closest friends and confidants.  They have been there for me professionally as well as personally over the years.  There were a few tough years where I was so very blessed to have a close group of girlfriends who would have done anything for me. They have all moved on from my school, and we chat once in awhile.  I know they were in my life just at the right time.

I've moved on from jobs and lost touch while others have moved on as well.  It's hard to stay in touch... even in our society of constant communication, but we manage to do the best we can.  While I may not talk to the girls each day, I still feel a strong bond to each and every one of them.  

There are amazing women who I call close friends at school today who help me get through each and every day.  They were there for me when the IVFs failed, surgery, and even the fail of the adoption.  They've carried my pain when I couldn't do it myself.  They've cried as they've told me their joyous news of expecting a child themselves.  They have made me a better person.

Swimming has brought many families into our lives.  We spend a great deal of time with families during the season.  Many of these families have truly become our extended family.  These women have been mentors and friends to me in so many areas... from decorating, cooking, entertaining, shopping, and so much more.  Each one has come into my life just when I needed it most.

Scrapbooking is my passion and with it comes message boards and scrapbook websites.  I was blessed several years ago to cross the path of an amazing woman who started a "sisterhood" of scrapbookers.  At one time we were focused on scrapbooking and had a large membership.  Now there are just a few of us, but our bond is strong.  We've seen each other through so very much.  These women are closer to me than many of my "in person, real-life" friends.  We were so blessed to actually meet up a few years ago and it was as if we had always known each other.  Looking forward to getting together in "real life" again soon!

I am feeling blessed as I sit and reflect on the women who have been a girlfriend to me.  So... THANK YOU to each and every one of you.  :)