Last night I had a rare night out with two very special women, my great friends.  We all have busy lives and lots of kids, and seem to run on the same path and energy that most of the women around us do.  But with a shining exception being we are all in some way raising kids with special needs.  Their needs vary in degree and diagnosis, but we have all spent more than our fair share in multiple therapies a week, lots of doctors and tests, and a few pairs of orthotics.   Our kids are needy, and are wonderful in their own ways.  And looking at us all, I think we have become much stronger and gracious women because of them.

I know it is true for myself, that I would have never thought I could be this strong, or this much of an advocate for anyone else.  My calm moments and my strength surprises me, as does the level to which I can feel sorry for myself in those fleeting moments.

But after sharing our current stories and struggles, and sharing some wine and food, we all came to talk about a few of the good things going on.  A few of those gems that make our lives our own.  Feeding our passions or own needs in some ways and really feeling how special that can be.  We all fight for balance in our lives, and sometimes we get to look at both the good and the tough times with friends who really get us.  Those moments are priceless.

Girlfriends are a gift, and usually right when you need them !