Last month I was lucky enough to spend several weekends with two groups of amazing women. Next week I'll talk about FierceCon, but today I want to share my trip to South Carolina with these beauties, my friends from The Blended Blog.
This meet up was in the planning stages for a year, but as the day approached, Hurricane Michael appeared. After a very sketchy day of travel (delayed flights, tarmac trouble, planes on fire, planes running out of fuel, unexpected four hour car drives, and lost luggage), we arrived in Savannah. Every moment of the horrible day disappeared when I realized these ladies had waited for me at the airport - for hours - rather than head to our rental house. Pretty sure I shed a tear as I came around the corner and saw their lovely faces. These are my friends, these are my sisters...and they see me.
They see ME.
The last few years have been rough. 50 isn't for sissies. I've lost people I dearly love, had some health stuff, and sent my baby to live five hours away. There's wrinkles and no metabolism and aging parents and empty nesting and lots of days where I just feel OLD.
Listen, life is good. I'm still happy when each birthday rolls around, because honestly, the alternative is worse. I have a husband who loves me unconditionally, two boys that make me proud every day, and we've built a life I wouldn't change. But lately I can't seem to get out of my own way.
And then these women appear in front of me, and they don't care about any of that, because they see me.
They're kind, and they're loving. We laugh and shop and talk like we've known each other our whole lives. And just when I start to get in my own way, when I start to feel like I don't belong, because maybe I'm too old, I'm too boring, I'm too whatever...they pull me back in, because they see me.
They see right into the very core, past my wrinkles and extra pounds, the loss and the worry and the not feeling good enough. Past all the crap and straight to the heart. They're the best sort of friends, and the kind we all need.
They see me. And I see them too.
This aging thing is so tough and I often feel like I do not belong. I am so glad you had fun and feel loved...you deserve it. That first photo is my fave...so pretty!
ReplyDeleteAging definitely has its challenges! Thanks, friend!
DeleteThis post is beautiful! And I totally get the great blessing in a community of people that "see" you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's so important to find those people.
DeleteAnd you are beautiful inside and out Lana!! All of those physical things just add to your beauty. As for the inside changes?? It's truly what makes you so wonderful with others!!
ReplyDeleteLike I just told my friend....if you could see yourself through my eyes....
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
You are amazing, and I'm so glad we're friends. Thank you so much for all your support.
DeleteI'm not crying, are you crying? Best. Post. Ever. You are my favourite person.
ReplyDeleteThe feeling is mutual. And yes, there may have been a few tears.
DeleteI love you. I miss you. That is all.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for January. Love you too!
DeleteFriends are so good for the soul. Things do feel like they are falling apart as we age, don't they, and yes! it beats the alternative. I'm so happy that you got to spend time with these lovelies who SEE you. Hugs, God bless! Kim
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kim! Finding friends who understand is so wonderful!
DeleteAwwww! Love this! Thanks for sharing from your heart!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila!
DeleteLove Love Love this Post!!! And YOU!!!! Miss You Lana!!!
ReplyDeleteMiss you too friend!
DeleteAnd now I’m crying ��
ReplyDeleteI love you and our tribe. I’m so grateful we all found each other.
There’s something so beautiful about people who accept you as you are ❤️❤️❤️
It took me two days to write because I kept crying. Finding you guys has been the best part of blogging.
DeleteLove this. You have found your tribe and you see them too! How frightening about the air travel that day. Sheesh. So glad you had a warm and welcoming greeting.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful! The travel was horrible though.
DeletePrecious post. Glad you have found your posse X 2. Proud of your hard work with the Forever Fierce Revolution, too.
ReplyDeleteNow I am crying! You Lana and this tribe we have created is one of the best things in my life right now. The support the love and everything about it. I see you friend and love you for you and nothing can change that.
ReplyDeleteGirlfriends are the best and Lana - you are worth every minute of all the love and kindness bestowed upon you. Wouldn't it be nice if we could see ourselves through others' eyes?
ReplyDeletexo,
Kellyann
www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com
You are amazing and I love that you got to spend time with your tribe!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink