A time to cry, a time to heal ... a time to be with Girlfriends

Hello from a mountain house in northern NC, near Asheville. Friends Allison & Lee invited us and another couple, Colleen and Steve, to spend this holiday weekend with them. Allison, Colleen and I met years ago when we walked a marathon together and now walk together almost every Saturday morning. They are girlfriends who I love 'doing life' with on our weekly catch up of health issues (read more), life, work, friends, etc.

This week, after losing our beloved Stella, it is medicinal to spend time away from life with girlfriends and their husbands. They are all dog owners/lovers so they understand the grief we're feeling. And, with Allison's two dogs here (one a golden retriever, like Stella), we're getting some much needed fur therapy.

Yes, there are still tears and sad memories but with people nearby who understand, we realize how blessed we are to have friends. And, with all of us dealing with different life challenges, we value creating new, happy memories together.

Thanks to Allison and Lee for their generous hospitality (and for letting me love on their dogs). And thanks to Colleen and Steve for driving us and for their support and understanding as we miss our sweet pup. With friends like these, and fun times shared together, we realize that this is a time to grieve but also to heal, to remember old times and celebrate new memories, to cry and, very much, to laugh.

Pet your furry friends. Take time away from work and life to spend with friends. Get away from 'stuff' and celebrate the wonderful blessing of friends.