To love and be loved . . .

The saying, "to love and be loved is the greatest joy on earth" is so true.  But we usually associate the quote with romantic love, and in doing so we limit the impact of these beautiful words.

This weekend I experienced the joy of loving and being loved to such great measure that my heart is overflowing.  The love that I feel for the special people that shared these past 3 days of their lives with me is immeasurable.  And the love I received from them leaves me humbled and uplifted.  To have friends who are so real, so accepting, so supportive and so loyal is one of the greatest gifts this life has given me.  I am so grateful for these women - these "YaYa Sisters" - and for their willingness to include me in their circle through changes in location, lifestyle, and situation.

They are, as a group and individually, wise, capable, strong, generous, honest, unassuming, fun and funny.  Put simply, they are beautiful in every way.  To have been blessed to call them my 'friends' is such a privilege, and one that I should work harder to deserve.

Thank you, friends, for who you are, what you are, and what you mean to me.  I love you, and I am a better person because of you.