I would be thoughtless to miss the opportunity to let you know how grateful I am for my east coast friends and family. Let’s start with Denise. I have known Denise longer than anyone on my list of magical givers. She was my first boss out of fashion school, then a roommate, a mentor and amazing woman who has been in my life now for 35 years. Denise has followed up and checked in with me every step of the way while always giving sage advice. Her ability to see a situation for what it is makes her a perfect listener and profoundly wise, always with a sense of humor. (35 year friendship)
Speaking of funny, Russell comes to mind next. He and David have opened their home to my kids and I several times over the last 2 years to bring us out of the gloom and into a world of excitement, beauty, laughter and sunshine. There is never a dull moment with these two! Don’t get me wrong, Russell is not just entertaining but also wickedly intuitive and has no problem sharing his invaluable opinions that have helped me make critical decisions. David has a heart of gold. He listens and empathizes then makes you laugh. The next thing you know, you feel like you are on top of the world. David is a very special person who always lifts my spirits. I love these two to pieces! If it weren’t for Denise I would never have met Russell or David. If it weren’t for Russell I would not have met Laura. (Russell-28 year friendship, David-18 year friendship)
Laura has been beside me during this whole ordeal right from the beginning. Originally, I only confided in 2 people, Lauray and Laura, two of the greatest supporters of me. Two of the greatest people, period. Laura has listened endlessly always offering a fresh viewpoint. She never ceases to amaze me with her wisdom and wit. You know someone loves you when you can call them last minute and say I am on my way to stay with you, I am in crisis mode, and the next thing you know, they are picking you up at the airport several hours later. Being calm, cool and collected is Laura’s specialty while handling any crisis. I can only hope I can be as good as a friend to her as she is too me. I love her madly. (26 year friendship)
The MOST incredibly strong person next on my list to thank for being by my side is Patti. Throughout the past 2 years of Patti’s journey battling cancer this woman has been in the trenches with me. Sadly, Patti has also experienced divorce and the aftermath of the damage done not only to the wives but to the children as well. Almost like a football coach holding the handbook, she called out play by play would happen. She has numerous times reminded me of my strength however it could never compare to hers. I have more fortitude than ever in my life, thanks to Patti’s constant reminders that I can do this! God, how I love this woman! (26 year friendship)
Christine is the kind of true-blue friend that I wish everyone could have in their life. She is always there to listen even though she has been though some of the toughest times also. I was going on vacation with Russell and 2 others to the Bahamas. I had taken Christine’s old job. She popped in the store to say hello to Russell, yet we got to talking. I immediately adored her and invited her to come with us to the Bahamas. Can you say, instant connection? We have been best buds since. Christine and I have shared our most intimate experiences with unwavering trust. Life is not always easy but it sure is better with beautiful friends who have beautiful souls. (27 year friendship)
My family has done everything they possibly could to support me over the last 19 months. Always offering to come out and stay with me either for emotional support or to help me pack or even to help me move. They are willing to listen without judgement. My parents and my brother and sister have shown me so much love. I don’t know that I have been as good at reciprocating. I do want them to know that during the dark times, it was not because of them that I held back. I love each one of them with all of my heart. Sometimes I found it hard to communicate so I am grateful they were willing to give me space when I have needed it.
The crazy thing is I did need some space for a while. The first year was so excruciatingly painful that I could not let my family see me hurting that much. Not because I was vulnerable but because I was hoping he would come back and say he made a mistake. I was protecting his reputation even after everything he put me through. My parents had been out to visit us for Christmas just 3 months before he walked out. We had a wonderful holiday with them and when they returned home to NJ they remarked how they have never seen us so happy. I guess he earned the title, the Greatest Showman on Earth because he even had me fooled. I didn’t want to disappoint them knowing how much they adored him.
As time passes, especially since the move, I feel stronger every day. The days are brighter, and if you are from the Pacific Northwest you know I mean that figuratively! I can feel the next chapter of my life full of new experiences and exciting opportunities. I owe it all to my friends and family for supporting me with your constant outpouring of love. Thank you.
I still have several very important people to acknowledge so stay tuned!
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