“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it’s only by this meeting that a new world is born. “. ~ Anais Nin

I could never have predicted what my life would be like nearly 8 months after the disappearance of my son, Ryan.

Perhaps, I would have been strong. Determined and focused but please understand that I am also aware that I could have been completely incapacitated. Stilled with grief and loss that filled my every thought, dogged my every step.

If I am who you see today, it is almost surely in part to the friends that surround me. The ones that came and never left. That treated me with a combination of kid gloves and quick wit. The friends that loved me with an absoluteness that has calmed the storm within my soul.

I am lucky.

Isn’t that a terrible oxymoron?

But as much as I feel tragedy as it seeps into my bones, I know the blessings that I have found through the friendships of others.

Strong, beautiful and confident women show me the way.

With backroad car trips, and pajama days. Dinner dates and bike rides. I am full.

As I sit on a plane heading to Denver to attend a wellness conference, I know I will be surrounded by motivational woman who seek to inspire me.

Some things you cannot change …and in the end they will change you.