In today’s world, with texting and social media, phone calls from friends are so rare.  So, I was very pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from a long-time friend the other night.  He’s been friends with Donovon and I for over twenty years.  We’ve seen each other through many changes throughout the years.  And as true friends should be, even though time has passed between each conversation, we pick it up as though not a day has gone by.  

He and his family moved to Pittsburgh over a year ago and we miss them like crazy.  It was so great to catch up and share some hearty laughs.  That’s one thing we can always count on when we are all together – Lots of laughter.  Just thinking about it makes me smile.
Gabbing on the phone is such a cherished and now rare pastime.  I’m so grateful for phone calls from friends.  

The Grahams – Uncle Terry, Tita Sunny, Jennifer, and Kristina – are a family with whom my sister and I grew up. Our closest family friends, we did everything together – countless dinners, birthday parties, holidays, and vacations.  

Jennifer and Kristina went to same private school as Crestina and me.  And we were always together outside of school. We took ice skating lessons, sewing lessons, cooking lessons. With a sisterly bond, we danced, we played, we watched cartoons, and of course, like the best of sisters do, we fought. 🙂

I attribute much of what I learned in my childhood to Uncle Terry and Tita Sunny.  Inherent mentors, they imparted so much knowledge and wisdom that I still carry with me today. I’m thankful for their teachings, but mostly for their support and their love.

The Grahams were an extension of our family.   And unfotunately, for our family, it wasn’t all fun and games. There was tragedy too, and when my mother fell ill and later died, her death hit them just as hard. 

Yet, they were there for my sister, my dad, and me the whole time, doing their very best to comfort us and help fill the enormous void. And of course, again, 28 years later with Daddy’s passing, they are here for Crestina and me.

It was my Tita Sunny who delivered beautiful eulogies for both my parents as only she could.  She knew them both so well.  The connection ran deep, and it was felt as she honored each of them. 

My gratitude for The Grahams is insurmountable.  They mean more to me than they will every know.  Uncle Terry, Tita Sunny, Fer Fer, and Tinker – I love you all so very much.

Today Nicole and I went to dinner for her birthday.  I’m so glad we found the time enjoy a relaxing meal together.    We had delicious food and drink and great conversation, just what both of us needed on a very chill and easy-going Friday night.

I’m so grateful for my dinner with Nicole.

The past few days I’ve spoken on the phone with several former colleagues who live all across the country just to catch up. After each conversation, I find myself so grateful for them and their encouragement, their support, their advice, and most of all their friendship.

Although we may not work together any longer, our bond is rock solid and I’m so thankful that they continue to be a part of my life. 

The whole fam went to a friend’s party today. Ava played with the kids that were there while Donovon, Alexa, and I played Cards Against Humanity with our friends. We all had such a good time. 

We were there for hours before realizing how late it was. That’s when you know you’re having a blast – 6 hours goes by and you have no clue how late it is. 

I’m so grateful for a fun Saturday afternoon party with our friends. 

We have The. Best. Neighbors. — Spencer and Hollie are not only great neighbors, but dear friends.

It’s kinda funny how our relationship came to be.  We lived next door to Spencer and Hollie for close to two years before saying more than a few words in passing to each other.  Then one day, Donovon and I were hanging out in our backyard and we heard them in their backyard.  Interest piqued, Donovon went over to our shared fence, peeked his head over into their yard – total Wilson-from-Home-Improvement-style – and started a conversation.

The rest is history – Fourteen years of watching their four young girls growing into four young women, patio dinners, after-work cocktails, football parties, holiday parties, backyard lounging, ingredient borrowing, tool borrowing, and pet-sitting.  

We’ve become so close to each other and each other’s families.  They are like family, and I can’t imagine living next door to anyone else.  I cherish Spencer & Hollie – our neighbors, our friends, our family.