LOML,
I went on an overnight girls’ retreat and post-birthday celebration with the bible study girls. Here’s what we did:
We all met at Christi’s and loaded into two cars.
We listened to hit songs from 1999 (Dru Hill…what happened?)
We ate chicken fried steaks that span the length of the serving plate.
We warmed s’mores over a firepit with a less-than-efficient roasting branch.
We played an electronic version of headbands.
I learned I need to watch Friends.
Linse was the first one asleep. And going against the laws of sleepovers, she didn’t get Sharpied or creamed.
Ashley and I were bunkmates. The beams holding up the mattress on our bed gave out in the middle of the night. Undoubtedly, it was deafening and awoke the entire cabin. Well, the other 7 ladies at least. I wouldn’t know. I was sleeping soundly. Thankfully for my bunkmate, the other ladies saw fit to wake up, relocate our mattress, and check to make sure no one was injured.
We grabbed pie for breakfast. While at the pie shop, Ashley bought me postcards that have our favorite line from When Harry Met Sally on them. I’m glad she wasn’t mad at me about the night before.
We went antiquing. This may come as no surprise to you, but I don’t like it. After wandering Round Top for an hour, we all met back at the car, and I confessed my disappointment. I was ashamed. I wanted to go in there like Joanna Gaines and leave with a car packed full of potential. Instead I lacked the vision needed to purchase two hundred year old silverware, kerosene lamps, and outdated maps of the world. Ashley suggested we go eat Mexican food and head to the outlet mall on 290. Woo hoo! Love that girl. I hope she’ll still consider being my bunkmate on the next girl’s trip. Not a failed trip after all.
The girls told the wait staff it was my birthday. The waiter placed the sombrero on Christi’s head instead of mine. Makes sense that they would place the birthday hat on the oldest member at our table. Once that misunderstanding was rectified, said waiter spooned whipped cream on my face…totally should’ve been Linse.
Once we made it back to Katy, all of the girls loaded their stuff into their cars and headed home. Christi’s house is so close to the cemetery that I won’t usually go to one without going to the other. I stopped and parked on the side of the road, like always, and entered through the side gate. I noticed something red at your plot. When I got there I saw a picture of you with the babies, and a heart arrangement with a note that read, “You are beautiful Ash. Happy Birthday. Love you always.” It was the most painful and wonderful birthday wish I had received.
There was nothing particularly wrong with this first birthday without you. In fact, I was loved on more than I have been in previous birthdays by those around me. I had a blast hanging out with the girls and enjoyed shopping more than I should, especially when I’m trying to lose weight. Still, things just aren’t as good without you. This place is so lackluster with you gone.
Another year older. I'm learning that grief ages you. I'm in bed by 8:30 most nights. I couldn't figure out how to pay one of our bills online the other night, and lately I seem to have a hankering for Luby's. I'm thankful that the next time I see you I will show no signs of aging. Last night at dinner, Christi, TJ, and I met a couple who are evangelists from Colombia. We visited for a moment and as they left, the man yelled out, “If I don’t see you again here, I’ll see you in Heaven. I love you.” It made me happy. I have to remember that the agony I feel now will be nothing more than a blink. I cannot wait to see you again. I love you.
I went on an overnight girls’ retreat and post-birthday celebration with the bible study girls. Here’s what we did:
We all met at Christi’s and loaded into two cars.
We listened to hit songs from 1999 (Dru Hill…what happened?)
We ate chicken fried steaks that span the length of the serving plate.
We warmed s’mores over a firepit with a less-than-efficient roasting branch.
We played an electronic version of headbands.
I learned I need to watch Friends.
Linse was the first one asleep. And going against the laws of sleepovers, she didn’t get Sharpied or creamed.
Ashley and I were bunkmates. The beams holding up the mattress on our bed gave out in the middle of the night. Undoubtedly, it was deafening and awoke the entire cabin. Well, the other 7 ladies at least. I wouldn’t know. I was sleeping soundly. Thankfully for my bunkmate, the other ladies saw fit to wake up, relocate our mattress, and check to make sure no one was injured.
We grabbed pie for breakfast. While at the pie shop, Ashley bought me postcards that have our favorite line from When Harry Met Sally on them. I’m glad she wasn’t mad at me about the night before.
We went antiquing. This may come as no surprise to you, but I don’t like it. After wandering Round Top for an hour, we all met back at the car, and I confessed my disappointment. I was ashamed. I wanted to go in there like Joanna Gaines and leave with a car packed full of potential. Instead I lacked the vision needed to purchase two hundred year old silverware, kerosene lamps, and outdated maps of the world. Ashley suggested we go eat Mexican food and head to the outlet mall on 290. Woo hoo! Love that girl. I hope she’ll still consider being my bunkmate on the next girl’s trip. Not a failed trip after all.
The girls told the wait staff it was my birthday. The waiter placed the sombrero on Christi’s head instead of mine. Makes sense that they would place the birthday hat on the oldest member at our table. Once that misunderstanding was rectified, said waiter spooned whipped cream on my face…totally should’ve been Linse.
Once we made it back to Katy, all of the girls loaded their stuff into their cars and headed home. Christi’s house is so close to the cemetery that I won’t usually go to one without going to the other. I stopped and parked on the side of the road, like always, and entered through the side gate. I noticed something red at your plot. When I got there I saw a picture of you with the babies, and a heart arrangement with a note that read, “You are beautiful Ash. Happy Birthday. Love you always.” It was the most painful and wonderful birthday wish I had received.
There was nothing particularly wrong with this first birthday without you. In fact, I was loved on more than I have been in previous birthdays by those around me. I had a blast hanging out with the girls and enjoyed shopping more than I should, especially when I’m trying to lose weight. Still, things just aren’t as good without you. This place is so lackluster with you gone.
Another year older. I'm learning that grief ages you. I'm in bed by 8:30 most nights. I couldn't figure out how to pay one of our bills online the other night, and lately I seem to have a hankering for Luby's. I'm thankful that the next time I see you I will show no signs of aging. Last night at dinner, Christi, TJ, and I met a couple who are evangelists from Colombia. We visited for a moment and as they left, the man yelled out, “If I don’t see you again here, I’ll see you in Heaven. I love you.” It made me happy. I have to remember that the agony I feel now will be nothing more than a blink. I cannot wait to see you again. I love you.
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