Yesterday I wrote about breathing, that blessed act of in and out. I wrote to remind myself because over the weekend, I drew deep deep breaths, and I want to keep remembering how that sustains me.
Every year I spend a long weekend with some of my dearest friends in the world. Our time passes so quickly, and I love them so much it hurts. And they elevate me. We all make each other better.
We’ve shared life together since we were high schoolers and before, and as we get older, we joke like we always did. And we think we are the funniest people out there.
As the years pass, we slowly realize we are talking more about wrinkles and plastic surgery and bladder control and children nearing our height.
I don’t know how this happened, but I know how much I love growing older with these sassy and brave broads. I’m proud of them like they’re my kids.
The years pass so quickly now, and yet the distance between grows smaller.
These three days each year, I breathe so deeply. I want the days to last, and I want to know every prayer, story, back rub, hug.
We breathe in time together, us girls.
Breathe deep gulps of salt air and fudge and licorice and Whirly Pop and gingerbread waffles.
Breathe woodsy smoke from a crackling fireplace.
Breathe harder when we walk into wind that pummels faces and when we laugh so our stomachs ache.
Breathe staccato breaths through cries of joy and pain and growing and wanting more in this life.
Breathe amazed and exhale long when we see the sun break over the ocean and the sky shine blue.
So memories are my breath today.
In, out.
So grateful.
I love you, girls.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
![Sometimes nothing says it quite like the way of a child. Before the rest of the house wakes, I read the account of Easter morning in the Jesus Storybook Bible: "And it seemed to [Mary Magdalene] that morning, as she ran, almost as if the whole world was singing for joy-- the trees, tiny sounds in the grass, the birds...her heart." The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive, and so are we. And it is new. Once again. Yes, it is always new...He is risen indeed!](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s320x320/e35/17934124_1877271335863004_8139172358331039744_n.jpg "Sometimes nothing says it quite like the way of a child. Before the rest of the house wakes, I read the account of Easter morning in the Jesus Storybook Bible: \"And it seemed to [Mary Magdalene] that morning, as she ran, almost as if the whole world was singing for joy-- the trees, tiny sounds in the grass, the birds...her heart.\" The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive, and so are we. And it is new. Once again. Yes, it is always new...He is risen indeed!")
How blessed! How lucky! How grateful! Amazing really to have a group of friends that stay as committed and connected as you all have. And as you grow older, you will still always touch within each other the girls you were when you met. Growing older, forever young. How wonderful to be known this way! (And your photos and your words Ashley, simply beautiful!)
Mama, you so capture one of the reasons this connection is so special when you say, “growing older, forever young.” It is powerful for these “sisters” to know where we’ve each come from, how we’ve grown…no wonder we’re so proud of each other. I do feel so blessed!
What a beautiful way you have captured those sweet memories! Thank-you, dear friend!
Thank you for your lovely comment, Darc. So good to be with you this weekend. :) Love!
Love this and love you! And you were posing like Angelina in that shadow shot even before her leg became so famous! :)
Haha! I noticed that, too! :) Love you, friend.
What a great tribute to our girls weekend. Loved every minute with you, Mags, and the other pretty mamas. Thank you for sharing your gift. xoxo
I loved sharing a car and a bed with you this weekend. :) Thanks for all your encouragement! Love you.
Hope I’m not merely stating the obvious, but your writing of your love, friendship and joy breathes even more life into it. A wonderful gift
Thank you so much for that, Don.
What a special way to keep your friendships connected:)
Stopping by via Karissa~~~ she is my sis in law
Smiles,
Kay Ellen
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comment, Kay Ellen. I am so grateful, and I love your sis-in-law to pieces.
You experience so many of god’s blessings Ashley. Your eyes and heart are wide open to receive them- such an example, thank you :)
Thank you so much, Deb.
Beautiful, Ash. Makes me laugh and cry at the same time and that is exactly what our weekend is about. xoxo
Thank you, Rebs. Reading your comment makes me feel misty myself. I love you.
I think this is the fourth or fifth time I have read this today, Ash…..I suspect I will keep coming back to remember. so so so good. i agree with rebs, it makes me laugh and cry and feel like bragging to everybody what God has given! xxoo
Thank you so much, Christy. I am so glad that reading this helps you remember — that’s what writing does for me. Such great reminders this weekend of all this love, grace and hope. Thankful for you, my friend. xoxo
And we (rather I) love YOU! Got those sentimental tears of re-entry again…in, out, in, out. :-)
Oh, sweet friend. Re-entry is tough. Yes — in, out, in, out. I love you.
What a loving tribute to your girlfriends. It’s so important to make time for them like this! Very poetic words today, I loved that!
Thanks, Smidge! You’re right, we’ve got to MAKE time for this. It doesn’t just happen. I’m so thankful we made the decision to commit to each other in this way those years ago…and that we keep choosing it. :)
Thank you for sharing! What a treat to see a few pics and get a sweet summary! Miss you!
I (and we all) missed you, Annie! Looking forward to next year! :)
Ashley- love the new look! It is coming together very nicely.
Kathi
Thanks so much, Kathi. It’s been fun. :)
Your friendships are like precious jewels. Irreplaceable. Real jewels become more precious and priceless as time passes. You are all of immeasurable value to each other. Long may live your sisterhood!
Yes — long may it live! I am so thankful for the precious, irreplaceable jewels of my life and for all the sister bonds I’m blessed to share. Such gifts.