The Moon Lives in the Lining of Your Skin

We can all learn something from her
The way she always sees the best in people
The way her smile is always glaringly genuine
The way she sees past the negative of any given situation
We can all gain some valuable insight from her
The way she doesn't stress about tomorrow
But, instead, focuses on today
The way she effortlessly brings joy to those around her
And the diamond of a heart she wears on her sleeve
We can all stand to reflect on her selflessness
Because she has seen true pain
She has been treated wrongly
And she may never have some of the same opportunities as you and I
Yet she wears a smile every day
And offers it to each person around her
She has touched the lives of so many
She has definitely touched mine
I've never heard her talk bad of anyone
Or seen her pass a judging glance
She is simple....beautiful
I've never met another person like her, and doubt I ever will
She inspires me and motivates me
She is the best person I know

To my kid sister...
Who has shown more strength in her first 21 years than I will comprehend in my entire lifetime
Who teaches me, every day, how to be a better person
And who is always excited to see me and gives the most meaningful hugs

I know your continued strength will carry you through this next surgery
Just know that you've got your biggest fan cheering you on
And the support of all those lives you have touched so far
Go get 'em, Tiger.

xo

Over a Glass of Wine

"We Gain Strength, Courage and Confidence By Each Experience In Which We Really Stop to Look Fear In the Face" _Eleanor Roosevelt

    As I mentioned in one of my very first posts, I have an extremely close, important group of girlfriends. It consists of myself and six other girls. We grew up together, have grown together (even while apart) and have witnessed some of life's most beautiful moments together. I couldn't have imagined a better group of friends, even if I tried.
    On my my most recent trip to my hometown, I had dinner with one of the girls. We started talking about the act of asking for and giving advice. It occurred to us during this conversation just how independent and strong our group of friends is and has always been. Of course, we all have each other and will, day or night, consider each other best friends.  But individually, we have our own separate friends and lives, as well. Perhaps it's because we all know each other so well that we indirectly give and receive advice to and from one another....but it seems like we rarely call each other up and say: "I really need some advice...can you talk?"
    As our glasses of wine disappeared sip by sip, and the deliberation continued on the independence of our group of friends, we decided that each and every one of us lives our own life...and completely owns it. We are capable of making our own decisions and accepting the consequences. And we've learned from our past decisions how to make better current and future decisions. All seven of us have seen troubles, dealt with heartbreak and trampled through heated arguments. Each one of us has made a less than stellar life decision, at some point. But through all these experiences, we have gained the strength, courage and confidence to make a better decision next time around.
    And so, instead of asking for advice or passing around a compass between our group...we lend support. We support each other when we are down. We support each other in triumph. We support each other in every aspect of each individual life...because we are all positive that the other is capable of making the right decision for them self.
    I am so proud to call these girls my best friends. My strong, independent, beautiful best friends.

K.K, M.M, C.K, M.E, L.B, E.R. #ForeverMine #Xo

Cheers,

Shelby