This woman is quite honestly one of the greatest gifts in my life. I have known her for almost 14 years and I am so grateful for her friendship and her life doing with me. Grace came into my life around a lake and to this day she is in my phone as "Grace from Lake." I won't ever change it. Our lives have been intertwined in more ways than one and she is one of those forever friends. I just adore her.
I have not hugged her in over 3 years and it was high time I made it happen. Her year has been a doozy of a year, but she is rising stronger, more confident, and with more purpose than ever. I am so proud of her and of the mother she is to her tribe.
Also, she has puppies........and now I have a puppy.......but more on that later.
When I got there I was all about just getting puppy snuggles and this little munchkin aka "Susie" fell in love with me right off.
Our time together was spent doing 1 of 4 things talking, working out, hiking, or driving while talking. It was magical and so needed. This woman and I could talk for hours and hours.
Oh and we got her a new living room chair.......don't ever tell two very determined women that it won't fit. Just don't.
We spent many hours outside either watching her kiddos in their championship flag football game, or exploring the beauty that is the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Fall. JUST SPECTACULAR.
Grace and Goose made the best trail partners and we had such lovely moments hiking and sharing the beauty that is her state.
Hanging Rock was a beautiful hike and a perfect perch for a handstand. Its okay, this wasn't as treacherous as it might look. I'm strong, not stupid.
We would come home to miss "Susie" having snuck out the fence to find me for snuggles......you see where this is going right?
Meanwhile back home, the kids had a blast with Dad and he mastered the art of the N'avi. Evie would give her right arm and a leg to be a part of the Avatar world, so the stakes were high for our Halloween costume.
Dad delivered.
Back in Westfield little Miss Susie crawled right into my arms and my heart and I found myself texting Bob about bringing a puppy home. When his reply was....."I wouldn't say no." I took it as an absolute yes.....so Susie got to join me in the house and get baths and snuggles while I wrapped my head around bringing a Great Pyrenees home on a dual flight.
Once bathed she became a permanent attachment to me and like a 3rd wheel in the conversation.
I love how God works things out sometimes. We have been contemplating a puppy for Evie during this challenging season, and this little floof came into our life. Sweet, gentle, and as adorable as can be. I fast was smitten and made a choice hook, line and sinker. So Grace and I put all the things in place to get her home.
The day I headed home came all to fast, but I was actually really excited to be taking a little piece of NC home with me. I put my little fluffy puppy in her carrier and hugged my dear friend goodbye.
To say this little puppy was amazing would be an understatement. We were in airplanes for 5 hours and she did not make a peep. I was more and more certain of my choice to bring this little fluff of XANAX home to my hyperactive child. She is so zen. (well was......again more on that later :)
Grace from the lake is truly a friend sent to me by the Lord. We may live states apart, but the friendship and support we have for one another is unmistakable. Until next time.
