F - Friends and Family

Over the past few years, my appreciation for my friends and family has grown tremendously.

My friends saw me through a divorce. They are some of my biggest supporters.

My friends are a source of joy, happiness and often pride.

I am so proud to call this group of ladies my friends.

(and this is only a sampling of friends!)

This circle keeps growing and growing - all out of a common love of running (and cupcakes).

Then there is this girl.

Lisa.  She is my oldest (not in age obviously) friend!  We have been friends since we have been 16.  We don't get to see each other as much as we'd like, but keep up via blogging and text.  I am really hoping to see her again this summer.

This is one of those friends where you don't see for a couple of years, but pick right up where you left off.

Who could leave out the fabulous group of Rouge Pirate Queens/Nurses (it's a long story)!?!?

 friends, mentors, toxic crafters

My family is my rock.

I was blessed with the best son in the world. God couldn’t have given me anything more perfect. I see
myself in him more and more every day, yet I relish in the individual self he is becoming.

I've said it before and I'll say it again....

He is my heart.

My parents are the epitome of making it work; married 41 years this June and now enjoying their semi-
retirement.

 aren't they cute?

obviously from the 80s!

I spent last weekend filled with worry as my dad, who is a Type 1 diabetic and has had
multiple heart attacks, spent a few days in the ICU with a critically high potassium level (an electrolyte
needed for the heart to beat). He is doing better, but I often wish they lived a little closer., but I know
my mom has an eye on everything. She has pretty much been his personal nurse for 41 years. Living
this far away makes me feel helpless, yet it makes for very high quality visits. We never take a visit for
granted.

My sisters.

While not my sisters by blood these ladies are my soul sisters.

I have a sister cousin, Sarah.

thanks 1978!!

Kind of sister in laws, Debbie & Mara.

A friend sister Seallie, who runs half marathons with me only a few days after having knee surgery!

We think nearly identically and sometimes even say the exact same things!

I don’t know what I’d do without these girls. We share so much, even if it isn’t a last name.

I have a biological sister, and while once close, we no longer speak, but she is still family whether she likes it or not.

Then I have my Ryan.

The guy who helps me parent Louis. Who acts as a friend to him, but isn’t afraid to be the bad guy
when Louis tries to finagle something out of mom.

The guy who puts up with my race/running addiction, my frequent trips to the “barre” and who’s been
the bestest supporter for my big races. He has stood out in the cold, racing from point to point, in hopes
of giving me a needed boost when I need it. He even ran a couple blocks of the 2011 NYC marathon
with me! He bought me a pair of running shoes….do they get any better than that?!

The guy who tolerates my love for big dogs. He took in my Kirby and Kayle like they were his own. Was
as sad as I was when we lost Kirby and when it was time, let me pick out another hoss of a dog. He was
a strong advocate for getting the kitty I have wanted for over a decade.

I am so incredibly lucky and so blessed to have all of these people in my life!