The Mama Factor

I have an amazing friend named Heather. Heather and I became friends right after I graduated from college. We have a mutual friend that introduced us and we became running partners. I actually think we spent more time eating pizza than running, but regardless, a great friendship ensued. We have seen each other through moves, births of babies, weddings, losses, and now we are both in the midst of the tenuous teen years with our kiddos.

Heather and I have been meeting for coffee, or happy hour, depending on our mood and what we are facing down at the moment, for decades. This morning I sat across from her beautiful, smiling face and unloaded for a looongg time. It's been a hard week. Work had its issues this week, kids are struggling with some friend drama, I have relationships that need some work, etc. etc. I know I share a lot in writing but there is definitely stuff that isn't meant for here. Heather sits and listens to it all. She has seen the beautiful and the ugly (as well as some bad hairstyles and clothing choices)....and she keeps coming back. She doesn't judge me. She just loves me and I think I might have had a psychotic break quite some time ago if I didn't have her. 

With Mother's Day approaching again, (Sunday in case you are just now realizing this - buy mom a card) I am reminded how fortunate I am to be a mom and also have a great mom. But, today especially, I am also reminded how immensely grateful I am for the women in my life who share the journey with me. Not only do I have Heather, but I have several amazing women that I could call and they would be there for me in a heartbeat. I could tell them that I called my kid a smart ass (on accident, it slipped) and they would laugh, tell me a similar story and not that I am a terrible parent who needs to watch her language. I could tell them how hard I think some parts of the journey are right now and they wouldn't tell me to suck it up (they may want to)  but instead that tomorrow will most likely be better - and if it isn't, we can go out for a drink.

I am a lucky mama. So to all my mama friend's, Happy Mother's Day. I am grateful for you.