If it weren't for beef you'd be a vegetarian?

Last night I had the honor of tagging along to dinner with a phenomenal group of ladies. I met them through Shooter - they were all friends of his when he was in college. To say they were an answer to prayer is an understatement. I have been lacking in the female friend department for a long time. I have been craving a close relationship with a group of girls with the same mindset as me for what seems like an eternity. One random afternoon it happened. I did it for Shooter...rearranged our weekend plans so we could go and he could hang with some buddies from college. Little did I know, I would meet some women who I would connect with in a way that makes me feel like we're all separated at birth.

Em - she's a sista from anotha motha - and unfortunately she's moving to podunk Mississippi to be with her super chef of a husband. Good thing her family still lives here so that I can still see her occasionally.

Meg - one of the sweetest hearts I've ever met - she was a good friend to Shooter and is an equally good friend to me.

Jolie - you'll never meet a more genuine person that her. Shooter always spoke highly of her and now I completely understand why.

Mrs. Cheese - this girl is a RIOT! She has a way of telling a story that will bring tears to your eyes....and she does it frequently. She's compassionate and caring and a great friend to know.

Jenn - such a sweet and quiet spirit. An avid reader and someone I know I'll spend lots of time sharing authors with (if Facebook ever lets me finally add her as a friend - grrrr!). Good luck at school girl!

There were several others I met at the gathering that were not at dinner last night....and they were sorely missed but we fellowshipped with them in spirit.

We told stories....we talked about college and marriage and dating and kids and books and life in general. We "met" at 7pm-ish and didn't leave the restaurant until after 10pm. I think we loitered in the parking lot another 30 min and it was so hard to tear ourselves away....just as we'd finish one topic of conversation another would pop up and no one wanted it to end. We all decided that it was one outing that we would have to do on a regular basis - reason or no reason.

I just thank the Lord above for his gift of friendship. I needed this so badly and I needed last night - but then again, He knew that.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, lovelies! I am off to see family so I'll be back next week.
L.