Love and Magic

As promised, I am returning to show my appreciation and love for my friends that have held my hand and my heart throughout the journey of the affair leading to divorce. As I was talking to Lauray yesterday we pondered if you ever stop wondering how and why or wishing things turned out differently. I know I will never have those answers and my therapist reminds me by asking the question, “what would you do with that information?” Most likely it would just be painful. There was always that secret part of me that wished he came back. Does that ever go away? Is it love, is it ego? Also, not something I want to focus on, just every now and then the thought pops into my head.

So far, the move, albeit exhausting, has been very empowering. The number of loose ends that had to be tied up were unimaginable. I have spent hours upon hours cancelling services, reinstating services, changing addresses, changing my name, updating credit cards and bills, packing and unpacking, dump runs, donation carloads all while dealing with the management company with a plethora of issues in the new place. While they don’t all bring me joy, they all have given me a sense of accomplishment. The joy part comes with purging and redecorating our home. I still have much of the same furniture however, it has a whole new spin and is starting to shape up. New place, new look, new life! I couldn’t have done it all though without the time and energy from the greatest people on earth, my friends.

Jodi is my holiday sous chef and side kick always giving me the soundest advice. Jodi has guided me through the hardest parts of this journey with words of encouragement that have kept me on track. Her generous nature has always been what makes Jodi who she is. Jodi has a soft spot for the underdog while having the mission to make make the world a fairer place for all of us to live in with equality for all. Every day she helps those in need with an open heart. Jodi actively listens then comes up with real solutions. How can you not love her? (17 year friendship)

How can you not be thrilled when your friends move, sometimes several times over the last several years and you keep in touch? Cristy and Melissa just keep coming back for more and I couldn’t be happier! Two of the most thoughtful and giving women I know helped me on several occasions during the move on what can only be called a house tornado. Cristy is an amazing cook and extraordinary baker so who better to organize your kitchen? Melissa shows up ready to give her all with a big ass truck and endless energy and proceeds to move countless boxes and furniture never with a complaint! I adore these two ladies not just because of their kindness but because of their long-term friendship that continues to grow despite some distance between us. I love them, adore their families and look forward to more meaningful experiences to share! (Cristy-16 year friendship, Mel- 14 year friendship)

My go getter, energizer bunny friend, named Gigi has probably spent the most amount of time with me over the past year. I practically lived at her house while we organized the bazaar last year and never once made me feel like I was a burden but on the contrary, her family made me feel safe and welcome. Gigi exudes empathy all while listening and giving sound solutions. If there is a dilemma, Gigi will solve the problem while making it positive. She has stood by me through 5 garage sales, endless Offer up posts, packing, unpacking, moving and too many other tasks to name. I truly could not have sold what I did without her tenacious mindset. I am utterly amazed at what Gigi accomplishes for other people in any given day, always with a smile on her face! Yet, it’s more than that, it’s a, “we got this” mentality that is so comforting. I believe she doesn’t know the word, no. Yes, I love Gigi to pieces. (14 year friendship)

There has been just so much giving that I can't fit all of the praise in just 2 posts. I will need to finish up tomorrow! Until then, please know that I cherish each and every one of you.

Thank you for all of the love and magic you bring to my life!