Finding your way in this life can take tremendous patience and a “try, try again” attitude. This attitude is pretty prevalent among those whom I am blessed to call “friend” and it takes all kinds of friends. Birthdays are a wonderful time to celebrate those gifts.Giving, especially from the heart, is certainly called for. Cards, texts and FB postings are pretty easy, but when you have the chance, something more should be written…
So, that being said, my friend Laura-who has, according to local gossip, about 19 kids-is one of those girls who keeps her finger on the pulse of many. It may be a week before a call or text is made, but she is just as likely to drop in with a bottle of wine or-even better- a granddaughter to play with. She manages to homeschool, be a hockey mom and still stay faith-filled with a study of her bible-much of which is permanently committed to her ADHD brain and useful for both a soothing balm or a competitive round of trivia. Strength is both her ally and enemy at once. Sometimes, like most moms and wives, she pushes herself beyond pain and fatigue to make certain all of her 6 “real” and the scads of “itinerant” children have food, clothing, shelter and most importantly, time & love.
This week, it is her birthday. She is just like me and most of my girlfriends…39 and holding. I hope she takes some time to get her hair highlighted and that her family does their chores, minds their manners and remembers to hug her back when she offers her love. It isn’t much to ask, but all she would really want. Well, that and if her husband would throw some steaks on the grill…that might make her day. In the meantime, I think some of the girls and I will find some time to open a bottle in her honor…after all…birthdays are a great reason to celebrate!
FreelanceBeth 