I didn't make my bed today...

I didn't make my bed when I got up this morning. I was too excited to get my day started to waste time on a mundane chore. A little shopping, a trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and a snack of pineapple and mint-infused water and an apple in a beautiful garden were all on the day's agenda. As I shopped, and admired art, and enjoyed the sunshine, I kept thinking, this weekend will make a great, light-hearted blog post.

Then I got an email from my mom and my perspective of the weekend shifted dramatically. After Mom's email, it occurred to me, so much of what I do is informed by my network of friends and family.

You see, I went shopping today to pick up a swimsuit I had ordered for the mother-daughter-grandmother trip I have planned with, who else, my mom and grandmother. The Indianapolis Museum of Art visit was made possible by a gift of museum membership from a dear friend. Last night at the Simon Fashion Now fashion show, which I attended with a relatively new friend, my dad was texting me about deer invading his garden, which made me want to spend some time outside. My brother emailed me a hilarious video of some Illinois fools, as a proposed new family hobby. My best friend and I had a quick chat about my news and her news. I made plans to meet up with a friend for coffee and another group of friends for dinner.

So you see, what I do and, indeed, who I am is informed by my family and friends.

And for that, I will be eternally grateful.

When I started this blog, I mentioned one of my goals was to reconnect with old friends. What I didn't think about then is how lucky I am to have friends who are still willing to reconnect after years of neglected relationships.

As I look back over my life, I had the unconditional love and support from my amazing network of family and friends. When I moved to a new place and didn't know anyone, my friends would spend hours on the phone with me, talking me through my lonely times. When I was struggling with depression, my friends and family were there to support me and help me reverse the tailspin. My work is overwhelming? I can talk to my parents. School is rough? I can call on my friends. Humphrey vomits in his crate - again. A sympathetic ear is only a phone call or text message away. No matter what the hardship, be it big or little, I know I have a network of people who love and care for me and for whom I love and care.

For this I am truly lucky. To all of my family members and friends, I love you and thank you for being there for me when I need you most. I'll always be here for you.

As I work to reclaim me, please know that I am also reclaiming you.