Imaginary Friends No Longer

Thank you all so much for sending kind words and thoughts to my friends. They read my blog, so your words will reach them directly. They are amazing people, strong people, funny people — and wonderful parents. It was a privilege to attend the service and to get to spend time with the family. I crave the day when we live closer.

My trip wouldn't have been possible without the help of many. It took four people to cover my shifts as mom. No wonder I'm always tired! My sister picked up the necessary slack to make the largest shift do-able for my mom. My brother-in-law put in some good physical time, letting the big bro ride on his shoulders so he could do some slam dunks. And, my husband, who works six days a week, ten hours a day, made some delicious meals to fortify the team. Thank you, family!

And, then, there was that one special craft blogger, Steph from Ruby Crowned Kinglette, who answered my call out for a place to stay. People at her work thought she was crazy for letting someone she'd never met stay overnight — but we knew it was OK, we were already friends. Steph was working the day I got in, but, there was already potato salad and tabouleh in the fridge. She threw some chicken on the barbecue when she got home and gracefully served up courses as the crafty guests arrived through an open front door. We sat in the backyard on one of the most beautiful days of the summer and shared stories while nibbling on Padrons. Alcohol was consumed. The next day, Steph arranged her day on the fly as I gave her updates on where I was and what I needed. She was a sweet, grounding influence as I floated around in a dazed state. Thank you in big capital letters, Steph.

It's Steph's birthday today, so please go cheer my no-longer-imaginary friend on into old age. ;)