Sometimes...

In order to get out of your own way... And to try and step out of your yucky funk...
And in an attempt to regain some of that sanity that you seem to have misplaced...

You've got to go through that little bit of extra effort that it takes to get all three hoolies out of the house and into the car... and then you've got to take that drive across town to your dear sister-friend's... who you've already walked through years of life together anyway...

...and you've got to let your hair down a little.

And let your boys run wild with hers.
And share your heart and your hurts.
And swallow your pride...and be a little vulnerable...
And then, let her make you a big ole cup of Heaven and a bagel.

And in the midst of the mess and the crazy... and the hoolies...and the snacks...
right up on her kitchen stool...

...you paint your toes an outlandish color that you could never even begin to pull off and that your eldest asks in horror:  "Mom!  WHAT is on your TOES?!!!"
And you smile sweetly and answer:  "It's blood, baby."
And then he says:  "Cool."

And you sit and you savor that little pocket of time with that dear friendship that doesn't judge, and doesn't tell you how to parent, and doesn't tell you that you're a failure, and who is sad with you when you are sad, and who rejoices in your joys.....

And you laugh together and dream together and swap stories of your crazy-in-this-season-of-life days...

And life begins to right itself again.

My Mama has a dear friend with whom she has walked through life together since they were in college.  They have truly shared in each other's sorrows and in each other's joys.  Although hundreds of miles have separated them for most of their married and parenting years, they have still maintained the most kindred of relationships.

How blessed I am to have a few of those in my own life, as well.

Deep, kindred, soul friends who I may not see or talk to for weeks, months, or even years.
But I know they have my back.
And I have theirs.
And they love me, regardless.

Thanks for taking the clouds away, Dearie...
May I do the same when the time is needed.
For ALL of my friends....

"Keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins."
~ I Peter 4:8