The Backstory
These friends, you must understand, go back to in-utero.
RL was born 2 months before me. When we were born our parents lived in the same neighborhood, our houses were just 1 house apart (her mom and my parents, to this day, still live in the same homes!). We went to Montessori together but then went to different schools for elementary and high school.
UD moved in 1 house down on the other side of me when we were all 4 years old (she's an October baby). We all became the best of friends. UD and I went to the same middle & high school. We walked to/from the bus stop together every day. RL's boyfriend used to drive us/pick us up for high school our Sophomore year (because he went to our school).
Funny story that both RL and UD had parrots at their house... my house being in the middle heard the squawking from both sides!
UD & RL were roommates at the same college! Today they still live in my hometown (they are definitely a driving reason for me to consider moving home).
We played barbies together. We went to RL's for MTV's debut (I wasn't allowed to have MTV). We played tons of Atari tennis at RL's (my parents wouldn't buy me video games). UD's family had HBO (are you kidding, we absolutely NEVER had HBO)!!!
Growing up in FL we were very clever about how to crack coconuts, although we realized how clever our parents were to send us outside to find a coconut with a screwdriver and a hammer... we were out of their hair all day. We choreographed a dance to Prince's "When Doves Cry", which we reenacted this weekend, surprisingly (or sadly) accurately.
We founded the Huffy Kid Club, for the kids in the neighborhood who had Huffy bikes (that would just be RL and UD) and I was an exception even though I had a Schwinn.
Recent History
RL and UD don't see each other very often although they live a mile apart... busy lives, although they do see each other occasionally (RL actually lives around the corner from my sister). Whenever I make it to my hometown (maybe twice a year) we are sure to get together!
Three years ago we went to NYC together, finally, after talking about doing a trip together for years. We saw a broadway show (Legally Blonde), shopped, got our palms read and took in the experience of the city together.
We've been talking about doing something to mark our 40th year together for years. We talk about retiring in the same community (although since they have kids ranging from college age to elementary school age, I am trailing behind in being able to retire, after kids).
They are super supportive and sincerely sympathetic of what I'm going through trying to become a SMC overcoming infertility. My heart was happy because there was no judgment or 'why don't you just...' statements. They even understand my current weight gain is much due to the year of super-hormones.
The Weekend
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| Courtesy of Google Images |
Friday, we had massages and facials scheduled at the spa. We were welcome to go early, which we did, to use their gym and pool. We even had lunch catered poolside. The entire day was such a treat!
We went to see Bridesmaids later that evening. If you have not seen it, you must! It was absolutely hysterical! I actually laughed until I screamed!!!
We tried to get our palms read but didn't have luck finding a 'reputable' astrologer in Char.lotte. We took it as a sign that we were not meant to have our palms read at this time (I'm not sure that's anything but a bad sign).
We shopped on Saturday and went out to dinner and then a local pub.
Each of us are experiencing significant, life-changing shit in our lives; each shit is different than the other. Yet we talked and supported each other. We talked and laughed and cried.
While spending the weekend with RL and UD makes me remember how blessed I am to have such amazing friends, when I left them at the airport, I choked back tears.
