After much anticipation and planning, (a few) of us girls from the RHS class of 2002 FINALLY got our GIRLS WEEKEND!!! This is the 1st time since graduating (almost 10 years ago) that we have gathered for more than just a few hours at a Christmas party, wedding, baby shower, etc. It was an amazing feat!
After kissing my boys (yes it was still a bit hard to leave my little man) and sending them on their way to Grandparents, I hitched a ride to Branson with one of my oldest and dearest friends (as in we've been Besties since 6th grade - I have the journal entry to prove it - HA!). I believe that was one of the best car rides I've had in a looooong time. Uninterrupted girl chat for 2 straight hours . . . Does a soul good
After a yummy dinner and more visiting, we met up with Whitney at her in-laws home away from home (aka free place to crash). We dove right into several more hours of much-needed girl talk and when 2 am rolled around, we made ourselves go to bed, agreeing we all needed the sleep . . . though turning out the lights only made us whisper :)
Courtney joined us the next morning just in time for desert breakfast - cookies, muffins, and hot chocolate. Nothing like a little sugar to get you going after a late night! And for the next several hours we held the best therapy session money could have bought. Instead of the usual hometown gossip, we tackled the deeper stuff like marriage, motherhood, the women we are vs. the women we want/strive to be, friendships, love, life, and possibly the worst - the aging process - BLAH! :) We laughed and cried until our tummies started interrupting the conversation and we discovered it was 2 pm. I guess it's true, "Time flies when you're having fun!"
After a tasty lunch we tried to do a little outlet shopping but in reality, we were all much more interested in chatting. So it was back to the comfy couches!! :)
Isn't it strange that even though we all know that "nobody is perfect" or "every family has its issues" there's something so incredible about hearing another friends struggles and concerns that make your own feel normal, tolerable, and okay. Not that any of us wish an ounce of bad on anyone, but it gives us a sense of peace and comfort to know we aren't alone. And maybe Facebook is to blame ;) - because everyone on there seems to have their life together with dozens of pictures portraying their lives of amazing mothers, perfect children, and blissful marriages - mine included. But seriously, we have to remember that none of us take pictures during the not-so-great & unhappy moments... WE ALL HAVE ISSUES, WE ALL HAVE STRUGGLES, NONE OF US LIVE PERFECT LIVES!! Whew - what a relief . . . hahaha
Later that evening we met up with Brandi for dinner at the Landing. I wish she and the others could have enjoyed the entire weekend with us, but it was still wonderful just getting to enjoy her company for a little bit. After a terrific meal we took the opportunity to snap a few pictures to document this monumental occasion and then headed to a quaint coffee shop down the road.
No one was ready for the night to end but after another 2 am bedtime chit-chat, these worn out mommies finally said goodnight . . . SLEEPING IN UNTIL 9 AM!!! Pretty much a miracle. :) What a way to end an incredible weekend.
A note to my '02 Girls:
I can't say enough wonderful things about you girls, or shall I say women. My love for you grows deeper and deeper each time we gather together. I truly appreciate and cherish each one of your friendships. Your honesty, wisdom, love, and laughter does my heart such good. And even though we may grow up, move away, begin new and separate lives, we share a unique bond that will always hold us together. Not to say we didn't have some good times, but I so enjoy being past the petty/silliness of our early years, to now better know and understand all of you on a greater level. I hope to always call you close friends . . . I love you all dearly.
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart;
so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart.
Proverbs 27:9
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