North Stars

Last week my best friend from college, Lisa Munger, wrote a blog post about her North Stars - the women in her life who have helped shape and guide her into the person she is today.  She encouraged readers to reach out NOW to the people you love, to tell them NOW that you love them and appreciate all they are and have shared with you.  I was inspired.  I have always felt unbelievably lucky to have amazing women in my life who have loved and supported me through my life journey thus far.  While I'm grateful to all of my female friends, there are, of course, some who are MY North Stars.  They are the ones on speed dial.  The ones I instinctively turn to, for different reasons, in times of joy, times of sorrow, times of uncertainty.  I love you, ladies!

Lisa - thank you for teaching me that conflict is not only okay, but healing, cathartic, and ultimately restorative.  Thank you for your authenticity and for your constant quest for self-improvement and self-love.  Thank you for proving to me that soul mates never truly leave each other.

Beth - thank you for providing the inspiration for a beautiful relationship and marriage.  Thank you for your idealism.  Thank you for your empathy and uncanny ability to always say just the right thing at the right time.  B'sherit.

Allyson - thank you for your huge heart, the biggest of anyone I know.  Thank you for your constant love, support, and forgiveness, no matter what I might do or say. 

Maureen - thank you for your thoughtfulness.  Thank you for your quiet, yet constant support, for which there is never a question.  You teach me loyalty and faithfulness.

Rebekah - thank you for your unerring pragmatism.  Thank you for the truth - always the truth - and for listening without judgement.

Aunt Candy - thank you for your passion, and for sharing your passion with me.  Thank you for listening and remembering.  Thank you for always letting me be a part of your life. 

Brie - thank you for your grace, humor, empathy, and kindness.  Thank you for being my role model.  Thank you for loving me and being the sister I always dreamed of.

Aunt Karen - thank you for your prayers (you know the ones!).  Thank you for laughter. Thank you for listening and poring over every detail.  You are my reminder of the depths of love.

And Mom - thank you.  Thank you for being my daily inspiration to be the best woman and mother I can be.  Thank you for the PURE and unconditional love you have given me every day of my life.  You teach me compassion and generosity.  You are my heart and soul. 

Thank you to my North Stars.  You are my constants.  I love you!