The Ultimate Inspiration

On my 40th birthday my “lifelong” friends shared the above quote. I’ve thought a lot about it over the past few years and I truly believe we do have friends for reasons, seasons, and a lifetime. I didn’t do a post yesterday because I was lucky enough to be spending time with one of my oldest and dearest friends. We talked about who I would choose for this Saturday’s “style inspiration” but I never came to a conclusion, nor did I want to miss a minute with her to write a post. And then it hit me! My ultimate inspiration are my lifelong friends.

These are girls I became friends with in grade school and junior high. That’s over 35 years (over 40 for a couple). They have endured bad perms, acne, braces, glasses, and eighties fashion with me. We have been through new life and death, marriage and divorce, first loves and first break-ups. We’ve survived fights, distance, disappointment, and also supreme happiness, private jokes, vacations, and so many memories. They know me, truly know me. They have stood by me, they accept me for who and what I am. I can be myself with them. They love me and I love them. We don’t have to work at our friendships. They are low-maintenance. If we don’t speak for months it doesn’t matter. No one gets mad. It’s easy. They are my family and they are my soul. They have always been there for me and I know it wasn’t always easy (I was very prone to high drama-it’s the Leo in me). They are my best friends.

It has given me such joy to watch them become women. Smart, beautiful, loving women. I am so proud of each and every one of them. They carry themselves with grace and dignity through even the worst situations. And we have faced some really terrible challenges. But they all have come out stronger and have never given up in the face of a crisis. I am in awe of them constantly. They inspire me always.

And so it begins, sometime in the early 1970’s.

One of our many movie nights (VCRs had just been invented) during the 80’s.

On my porch before a school dance. We were heavy into our Madonna phase.

Cruising in my ’78 Monte Carlo.

Goofing off at the pool, 1987.

The whole “lifer” gang (minus a few) at my wedding in 2004. This is a look at 30+ years of friendship. Pretty amazing.

My 40th birthday with my BFFs.

Celebrating at another “lifer” wedding in 2010.

I am so blessed to have these fabulous ladies in my life. And if you have a “lifetime” friend, you know what I am talking about. Love you girlies!