You know those rare, special friends who remind you that you are not alone? I am so fortunate to know a handful of these people, whose very presence in this world affirms and reassures me. I spent this afternoon with Sarah (above, at Grace’s second birthday party, pregnant with Oliver, with John and Rosie) and was reminded of her critical importance in this small group. Sarah’s insightful, funny, practical outlook on life as a woman and a parent is as unique as it is refreshing. She’s one of those rare friends with whom I never, ever run out of things to say. I remember one lunch where, already running 45 minutes late because we’d talked and talked, we kept chatting as she was going down the elevator to the garage – we were shouting as she disappeared underground, unwilling to stop talking. There is so much about you, Sarah, that I admire and respect: your profound commitment to both your family and to your individual identity, your passionate pursuit of professional challenge and fulfillment, your relentlessly entertaining and humorous perspective on life’s travails, your candor and honesty about what you find difficult. Of course, a big part of our bond bond is that many of those are the things I find hard too. I remember vividly an email about having given yourself a pedicure while feeding Rosie (as a toddler) breakfast: you were simultaneously applauding yourself and recognizing a certain failure to be “present.” This is a tension I grapple mightily with as well, and I’m glad to share that effort with you.
Oh, what a it is blessing to have women like this in my life – I am so grateful for you, you wonderful, bright, brilliant, complicated women who walk with me. THANK YOU.
I have a new favorite song: Home, by the Foo Fighters. It makes my heart ache thinking about the multiple ways we can define home, of all the places and people that have a claim to such a title.
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