Gratitude for relationships

Alright this is a little cheesy but – I am so grateful for the relationships I have in my life.  If there is one thing that brings me joy when I reflect on the dash in my life it is that.  Relationships with my kids, husband, family and friends.

With my family I honestly feel I can call any of them, extended- in-laws- immediate, any time and have love, have understanding.  Some I have very fond childhood memories of roller skating and cereal.  Some I have only met a couple of times.  It doesn’t matter.  The bond is made.  They are family.  And if you know me, I’m quite a loyal person.

With friends it’s amazing too.  I have those that I’ve know since I was 13 yrs old and still can call my best friend (love you JG).  Those that I grew up with in the ‘hood and have been able to reconnect with. I have one that I worked with only a few months many years ago but our relationship has stuck.  I love her like my sister for life. She always shows up.  When I tell people I’m still friends with people from high school – some don’t understand.  But it’s true. I’m lucky enough to have some of my best from HS still cutting my hair, giving me ski passes, comping me dinners, inviting me to spend the weekend, and witnessing weddings.  We’ve camped, vacationed, partied, loved, grieved, grew up, and welcomed in new lives as friends.

Lately my circle of friends has grown to my current location too.  How lucky that in this little valley I have been able to have met other like minded, free-loving ladies.  They have given me more than they know.

I’ve been grateful through my jobs to meet my tribe.  At the time I’m always unaware of what we are creating together and the bond we are building.  But now as I reflect, I am awestruck.  As one incredible woman I met lately summed it up – we were building our fan club.  These people have shown me their talent, their drive, and themselves.  I’m a fan.  I will always be in their fan club and cheering them on.  What an incredible realization to know I will back them up- give them a great reference, believe in them, their decisions and they will do the same for me.

What is this that ties some people together?  It doesn’t happen with all relationships.  As I thought about this I believe it comes down to exposure.  Somehow the one’s that you have the bond with that surpasses the boundaries (time, distance, communication), are the one’s that have exposed their true self in some way (I don’t mean flashing).  And I have shared that with them too.  We’ve shared something real.  We’ve related on a true level where we have ‘seen’ what each of us are made of.  We’ve trusted.  We’ve seen in each other our greatness, what we are capable of and the element within us.  We have a cheerleader for life.  This is true for family and friends.  The bond that ties us.

How grateful I am for these relationships.  There are no words to thank all these people that have built these relationships with me.  It is truly amazing.  My gratitude for the love, security and this bond I have with many is overwhelming.  So, I thank you.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have a life full of relationships.  Full of trust and love that not everyone gets to experience. Thank you for believing in my element.  I believe in you living yours and will always be in your fan club cheering you on!