My Bestest friend for over 20+ years, has been there for me during just about every major milestone in my life. Coming to visit no matter where I lived and always making her self available when we go there. I have come to treasure our Shopping days, or Coffee Stops.
We have spent countless hours on the phone, wrote letters with real pens when that was the only option to communicate. Now Email and Text Messages, make it so we don't have to talk on the phone as much but we still do.
There were years where we didn't talk as much or didn't see each other as much, and that is OK too. We have changed, grown, had families, and lives. She has friends that are closer that she spends more time with, so it is kind of funny that I still say "Bestest friend" but really, who else in this world would put up with ME for 20+years? (besides my family that is, although some of them don't really put up with me *smile*)
We know almost everything about eachother, Including the mistakes we have each made while we navigate this thing called life.
So when this friend was going through an unthinkable crisis. One that I wouldn't wish on anyone let alone her, why wouldn't I hop on the first plane to be there??? Well that is a very very very long story.
However, I wasn't feeling the need to go. I thought, I'll go next month when she really needs me. Then realized that next month I may not be able to go. Another month would pass, and time would fade. What if I didn't make it at all?? What kind of friend would I be?
But still, I just wasn't feeling it. Something didn't feel right (another really really really long story). But Wednesday morning I saw her kids in my mind, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Weighing heavy on my heart, and I needed to go! There was no stopping me then. Weather looked promising, roads were clear, work was in good shape, Hubs could hold down the house, Car was gassed up. I was going!!
I asked Veg if he wanted to come with me, knowing it would be a lot of drive time in a mere 3 total days. He was IN.. Got home from work, packed up the car, ran around to do some house stuff, then off to Michigan at 5am (OUCH)!
Turned out to be an amazing drive, no traffic AT ALL, a beautiful sunrise that seemed to last all day, Lots of Starbucks stops, Chipotle for lunch, and a wonderful little travel companion in the back seat.
We arrived to my Mom's new house (smoke free, thank you very much) and her famous NeeNee Soup.. with a little bit of time to gobble it up then jump back in the car and head to Memorial Service to be with friend.
I got to see friend and her kids + her family + old aquantainces from like 20+ years ago. Funny to try and figure out who people are that you haven't seen in that length of time. Especially when they all recognize you by name and you can't remember theirs (eek!) One even said I still looked exactly the same.
Ummm, yeah! If same means an extended hiney, droopy dried up milked factory, grey hairs, and wrinkles!
Anywho, I got to spend a lot more time with Friend and kids then I thought I would, and the service was short considering. I still feel like it wasn't real, that I was in a movie and watching from the outside. But I was really there.
Upon arriving back at my Moms she had a gigantic salad waiting for me that I gobbled up in two seconds. Her and I had our usual late night chats, then off to bed.
The Next day, I grabbed some much needed morning rest, we visited with my Mom, and then I spent several hours with my Friend. Just us, no kids... Mom's night out!
My favorite Mexi place and then Coffee shop. In-spite of my bad-texting the time we were to meet (whoops) we still got lots of hours to visit.
If nothing more, I think THAT was the reason I was there! Following my heart meant time with friend to chat during one of the most life changing events of her life. I realized that night that I won't always be there for her. I can't be there as much as I would like to. But those hours were so worth the drive. We will always be able to chat. If nothing more, I'm good for that much. Even if over the phone or via email.
Veg got to spend some quality time with his grand parents, then we headed back at 5am the following morning. Another great drive, no traffic and perfect weather.
So that is the story of our Quickie Trip.. I have lots of posts to come, follow up from Christmas, a wish for a Happy New Year, some yummy quick vegan food tricks that include the toaster, yummy pictures, training for 1/2 Marathon (yes I'm doing it again) and a talk with Veg about where babies come from... But for now, I'll head off to dreamy land, and enjoy my last day off work before this holiday officially comes to a close!
Happy New Year to you and yours!!
