Thursday, April 16, 2009

Official Be Nice To Lori Day

I don’t make friends very easily. For people who know me, they are probably thinking that I am lying, because I am pretty social… but it’s true. And it isn’t because I am shy or difficult (you don’t learn that ‘til you’ve known me for awhile), it’s because I don’t really let people in. I don’t get attached to people very easily. So, while I have people I am social with, there are very few that I am really attached to. And, no… I am not going to list the number here so you guys can guess if you’re on the list or not. But, there are three girlfriends that I see and talk to very regularly (almost daily or many times a day), and they are my core. My center. My people. I need them, and I don’t do need very well.

It took years to cultivate my little group. Some have joined and left, only to be replaced by others who will be there forever. One stayed on the periphery for years and only recently really entered (sorry, but you’re in there), but I know she’ll never leave. Even though she mostly thinks I am nuts (or “too much” as she calls it). One I met through happenstance as she was always my server at a local lunch spot. Who knew that she would go from giving me my bacon cheeseburger to giving me my baby shower??? And she is my topic today.

I am officially naming Thursday “Be Nice to Lori” Day. Not every Thursday, because she’s not that deserving, but today. She has things rough today. I am not going in to her business (and in the process of being nice to her, neither should you), and that isn’t even my purpose today. I am just going to take the opportunity to tell her (and anyone else still reading this pointless ranting) that I love her. That is not something I say easily. Ask Mark.

Let me tell you a little bit about Lori. Things I bet even she doesn’t see. Lori is one of the strongest people I have ever known. She has dealt with more in her life than I ever will. I have never known the depths of struggle that Lori has endured, and I would wager that I never will. Years before I knew her, she faced some serious demons head on. She was brave and risked everything to start over in life, and provide a better life for her daughter. She is also a giver. She wouldn’t admit it, I don’t think, because she calls herself lazy, but when I needed someone to help me through bed rest when I was pregnant with Jack and needed a Will wrangler, she was the first to volunteer. If you knew how much work wrangling that kid is, you would get how major that is. Her grandson needed structure, safety and a loving home, and she took him in and raises him like he was her own child. She would think that isn’t spectacular. But, how many people would do the same? My grandfather died a week before Mark’s 30th birthday and she took over and threw his whole party for me. She would act like that isn’t something, but to me when I needed something good to numb the pain, that was everything.

Now, she isn’t all sunshine and roses here, people. Lori tells it like it is. You screw up, and by God, you are going to know about it. You do something stupid, and oh my God, you’ll hear it forever, but you know what? I love that. Lori doesn’t do fake. And I get that, because I do. I can’t always tell someone no when I want to. I can’t always be the bad guy, even when I want to. But, Lori can. And I dig that about her. I learn so much from her. So, today, in her honor, I am telling the God’s honest truth about my friend Lori (because Lori don’t do fake and neither will I). She is an amazing person, and I am so extremely lucky to have her.

So, I have a lot of readers who never comment (you know who you are)... and I am asking that if you know Lori today... even though you don't know why today sucks, just wish her a good day. And even for you who don't know Lori... any stranger could use a little boost, so if you've got something nice to say... please do so. Thanks!!!

************** Please note that just because Lori read and commented, doesn't mean more comments to her aren't welcome. I told her to check back later, so please send some love her way! *****************************

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lori sounds like a friend we all need in our lives. Wishing her well.

Yo mama said...

Anyone who has Lori as their friend is lucky! Lori I wish you all the best.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Damn, I need a Lori in my life. I hope whatever is wrong...can be fixed....healed...taken care of...etc....
She sounds like an amzaing person.

Mark said...

Lori is a completely amazing person. Anything you need I am more then willing to do for you Lori.

Homa said...

Why does it always have to be about Lori?

Lori,

You are one of the most selfless people I know, always putting others needs before yours. You'd be the first one to help out your friends and family, I've seen it first hand. And, your way with kids...amazing! Say Lori's house and their eyes light up!

We've talked about this, and I believe all our struggles in life happen to teach us something. Right now, it's hard to tell what that may be. Our little group finds sick humor in everything, including all this stuff going on, but know that we all are here for you...so pick up the phone and curse us out if you have to. We kind of helped you get where you are!

And, as far as husbands go...you've got one of the most wonderful men that have walked the earth right by your side! And when you die and I marry him, we'll remember you fondly over my delicious home cooked meals!

Love ya!

Roxane said...

Sweet...

Jill said...

Lori, I've known Lynn since I was in middle school and I know just how selective she is about letting people in. So, I know that if she wrote this post about you, you must be an amazing person. I am wishing you the best and hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Jounice said...

Lori I appreciate that you are so strong. You give the rest of us hope that with determination, faith and alot of common sense we can accomplish and get through anything. You never settle on a "poor me" attitude. I am so proud to include you in my circle of friends.

I am praying that you are granted the peace you need.

Nikki D said...

Lori,

I don't know if you, Lynn and Amie know this; but when we sat in the "dope" room the day that we were all planning our future with or without PEN Products, I was thinking–whatever happens–I want to stay in touch with you, Amie and Lynn. We started to develop closeness in our little group. Still today, I think of that moment and say what fun we had. That was a happy moment for me.

I am thankful to know you and to call you my friend. Hell, my daughter, Grace, would rather go home with you rather than me. And, that says a lot! You are taking care of Ryan and Sophie so well. I look up to you when it comes to raising kids. They are happy and well rounded and you would do anything for them and your friends. I am very proud of you.

I know that I am not as connected to the technology world as you all are but I am trying. Can you believe I am writing this now? Jounice had to show me how to comment in a blog.

I will try to be in the technology world more now!

Take care and I love you!

she just wants to be said...

Back home, I had freinds like Lori. And the thing with friends like Lori is that they never realize how important and special they are. They have a hard time believing that they make a huge difference and touch many lives.

Lori, I hope things start to look brighter for you. I hope that all of the kindness, love, and support you have shown others comes back to you many times over!

Lynn C Mama to 3 said...

This is really a message from Will:

I wike Wori. I love Tabbi, but I wike Wori. We have playdate???

From Will, that is pretty high praise.

Lori the Famous said...

OMG!!! Speechless and crying:) Thank you everyone, my migraine seemed to dissipate as I read. Maybe I can enjoy my vacation after all. I LOVE MY PEEPS (and my strangers)! Must go sign autographs now...

ps - Today really did suck, Lynn wasn't kidding!

pss - You rock, Lynn:)

Ann Imig said...

My girlfriends are my saviors. I'm so glad you and Lori have each other. I'll go check her out. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Anonymous said...

Lori- I love ya girl friend!! Lynn does rock and she has it sooo right about you! I ditto ditto ditto everything she said.

And after you go to heaven and I am living in your house, I too will have fond memories of you while eating mac and cheese and corn dogs in your kitchen!

Love ya, you really are great! I don't know why all this is happening to you right now. But God does and He can and will get you through this. Lean on Him, lean on us, lean on that great man of yours. You will get through this!!

Laura the Famous

Lynn C Mama to 3 said...

Thanks to all who participated in Be Nice To Lori Day! Friends and readers who we don't know yet, I appreciate that you were willing to take time out of your day to help my friend feel better! I think it might have worked!

Amie said...

I'm a day late, so I'm continuing "Official Be Nice To Lori Day" to Friday....cuz I was driving all day yesterday and too tired to mess with the computer when I got home.
Lori, you are so awesome...you have patience, strength and selflessness that I can only hope to achieve a fraction of one day. I admire your ability to be honest, and say exactly what your thoughts are, even if who you are saying them to doesn't believe the same. I'm sorry that you're having such a tough time right now, and if you need anything at all do not hesitate to let me know.

Karen MEG said...

Sorry I missed Be Nice to Lori Day. Lori, you sound like an amazing and wonderful friend. I could use one of you around too :).


Sounds like you girls are very lucky to have each other too, such friendships are hard to come by.

PamD said...

OK so I'm 2 weeks late but EVERY day is "Be Nice To Lori Day" where I come from. I just went on an awesome vacation with her and yes I still love her!! She is a great person and we all love the her dearly. Now some people that have known us since we were kids are amazed that we are so close now. You see little miss amazing, patient, loving, selfless Lori used to beat the shit out of me with a phone on a daily basis. So you all should see that she really is an amazing person because I have forgiven her, or does that make me an amazing person, and she is now my best friend in life!!! I hope that our vacation was a little distraction for you and thank you for waiting to go when it was warmer cause that was awesome!!!
LYLAS!!