Women Warriors

I had a crazy busy day today and as usual it revolved around my sons' baseball schedules. James had a game against Smithtown High School East. They lost but Smithtown East players are gentlemen and have a deep sense of sportmanship, unlike East Islip. I will fill you in on the East Islip antics in another blog. Baseball game, get back home to get Joe ready for baseball practice, go pick up James from HSE, back to Otsego then home to get dressed. Another wake.

We lost a family friend this week. Gary was only 26 years old. He was much loved by his family and his children but that wasn't enough to overcome his demons. I have to tell you that I am weary of the phone calls and messages this year telling me that I've lost another friend. Over a dozen this year so far and it's only April. I don't want to become known as the obit blogger but it sadly is a part of my reality.

I would tell you about Gary but tonight I want to focus on the strong women who figure so greatly in our lives. I call them my women warriors. They come in every shape and form but they are fearless and amazing.

I watched Susan tonight at her son's coffin, stroking his hair and mourning her baby. I watched her sisters come one by one and kneel with her, place an arm around her in support. I prayed to God that I never have to live out that tableau. Then there is Krista. Krista had the strength to get up and say a prayer from the heart that no one else go through this pain and that Gary's death serve as a life lesson, a hope that no other family should live through this painful lesson. Krista is Gary's sister-in-law and provided Gary with shelter and love in the most difficult of times.
 
I have a group of women in my life whom I know should I need that arm around my shoulder would be there in a heart beat. A few are blood related but most are not.

For those of you wanting a funny story from me tonight, that's not happening. But when I write about East Islip and Daddy baseball, you're gonna laugh your ass off. I promise.

In the meantime, to all my women warriors, thank you and stay strong because I need you to be so. Some of you don't even know how bad ass you are. Becky, Suzanne, Steph, Bridget, Lucy, Maria, Carlene, Jamie and many many more....thank you :)

On a side note, I'm so loving the RHNYC and just saw the promo for RHNJ...can't wait!!!!