My Tally Girls

As I laid in bed tonight (trying so desperately to fall asleep) I realized that in two weeks I'll be with my beautiful bestie, Jenn, and meeting her 2 month old baby boy, Gavin! With that I began think of my girls that I see while I'm in Tallahassee and how much fun I have when I'm with each of them. The more and more I thought about it, the happier I got...then I realized, wow I'm one lucky chick to have these girls. My relationships and what I love about each is completely different from one to the next but what remains with all is that rare rich connection that has bonded us for life. So, let me introduce you to a few of my girls...

My cousin, Ami, has been more than a bestie to me since I was born. We grew up together and were often mistaken for twin sisters, which is pretty much how I view her still to this day. Nobody will ever be able to share the experiences and the bond Ami and I do because well, we great up together. We can recall memories of singing "Bang Bang Lou Lou" in the back of the car and giggling at the bad words we shouldn't have known but our grandma taught us anyway. We'll never forget the cake in the face birthday (she knows what I'm talking about) or playing poker at 7 years old with dry pinto beans. Nobody else can recall planning to open a restaurant together called A&L's where she'd cook and I'd bake. Probably the most poignant memory we share is of my mom. None of my girlfriends had the pleasure of knowing my mom, but Ami can reflect back on her with me...that's kinda priceless for me. What I love most is that no matter how much we talk, we can always count on each other for that hour long call if we need it! It really is like having a sister, cousin just isn't the right word for us! It's moments like tonight where I stop and realize what an a blessing it really is to have her in my life. God knew exactly what He was doing when He brought us to our moms at the times He did.

So, then there's Kimmy. Ok, I cannot remember why, but for some reason we stopped talking for quite a few years some time ago (I'm sure it was for what we thought at the time were good reasons but after reconnecting I can't think of any reason good enough to justify the time.) I remember being so nervous when we saw each other for the first time after so long but being SOOO ecstatic when it was like no time at all had passed. If there's one thing I can always count on with Kim it's to give me a good laugh, to keep me grounded and to always be willing to go to that deeper level at the most unexpected moments. She's that girlfriend that you can be laughing with in one breath and that tearing up in the next. I'm not sure if it's the hours of countless laughs or the moments of deep insight that I treasure most but what I do know is that having her back in my life has meant more to me than this blog can convey (and I'm not letting her go this time!) ;o)

Theeeeen there's Jennifer! Oh my Jenn!! There's simply no one else like my Jennifer. We've been through it all and at the end of the day I simply love her. There are a few people I would do absolutely anything for in my life and Jenn is certainly one of those few. What I love about her is that I can talk to her about ANYTHING!!! She is that close girlfriend that I so wished for when I was little and, as I've told her many times, I so believe God paired up with my mommy to send me Jennifer. You know there's that cheesy little christian saying of "when I count my blessings, I count you twice" well as cheesy as it is, that's how I feel about her. There's something about when we're hanging out together that feels like I'm me and I'm home again (maybe we were sisters in a past life.) She travelled across the world (literally) to see Australia with me and to fly home by my side (who does that?!?!) Whenever I'm an uncontrollable hot mess of tears and can't speak a word, I can call her and trust that she'll just let me cry till I can tell her what's wrong (yes, this has happened on more than one occasion.) I suspect it's her maternal heart but there's something about when she's calming me down that just brings a peace into my world. It almost feels like my mom is talking through her some times. With that maternal part comes her protective mama bear side over me. If Jenn loves you then nobody better mess with you! She's very protective over the hearts of the ones she loves and to be completely honest not having my mom has often times left me feeling like I don't matter but when Jenn's mama claws come out, I know I'm important to someone. I always know when she's helping me with something that it's always coming from a place of love (whether I would like to hear what she's saying or not.)

While there are a few more girls in my life that I love and completely appreciate (don't worry, your post will come), these are just my Tally girls. I couldn't help but lay here tonight overjoyed in my heart and so peaceful in my soul as I thought about seeing them in just TWO weeks!!! Each time I think about being in their midst a smile is sure to be on my face because I know laughter is not far away. Each trip is a memory sealed in my heart filled with love and laughter that I'm certain has extended my years!

So, dear Jesus, thanks for the amazing women you've surrounded me with and even moreso, thanks for reminded me of just how amazing they are and how blessed I am! Few people in life can say they have a bestie like I can, even fewer can say they have more than one.

I love you girls...
~ L