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! *****************************