Getting a little older…

Its one of my best friend’s birthdays coming up… and I wanted to send her something special.

In my wanderings I stumbled across this picture of us.

It was our 21st birthday party. (1920s theme)

I was struck by the giggles. My G-d did we giggle.

And I was just as quickly struck by how, fast forward nearly 20 years – and life got heavier. My school friends and I are all hitting 40… and lord we have been through a lot.

Marriage, divorce, financial issues, births, deaths, moving, staying the same, working, not working, housework, parenting… Life in many ways moved from being light – from feeling like the world is your oyster… To often feeling like a grounded soldier -making her way through, with a backpack often just damn heavy to carry.

It isn’t all bad. Not at all. There is so much joy…and so much wisdom and perspective earned.

But yes, the load of life is heavier.

I’m humbled by the realization that my tribe of women have become more important to me than I ever realized they would.

Keep those friends close I’d yell to my 20 year old self. Hold onto those laughs.

I miss the giggling me a little.

I guess some days are just like that.