Ladies, if you need to hear a little story saying that you are not alone in this life, the elephant story is for you.
One of my favorite authors, Jen Hatmaker, told a story about elephants. This is a story she tells often. I first heard her tell the story to Labeled and Love retreat for special needs moms. (I am a HUGE fan of Labeled and Love. I will definitely fill you all in on it in another post).
Here is her source material from her website, https://jenhatmaker.com/blog/the-elephant-story/.
This story inspires me so much. We need our girlfriends, support system, etc. It doesn’t matter if your support group is small or large. I have many friends but I only have a few “ride or die” friends. Friends that know every aspect of who I am, can tell me the truth, inspire me to be who I am and remind me to remember who I am to my core, what my values are, and will stand by me no matter what.
I am an only child and I have a couple friends that I consider family. They are “aunties” to my kids. My best friend of 41 years, I have loved and stood by her when she was a young mom and now is a middle aged mom with children ranging from their 20’s to preschool age. I admire her for that. A lot of my best girlfriends we had children in our 30’s and have had “geriatric pregnancies”. Do you know the term “geriatric” is used when you are age 35 and above? That was a shock to see myself as a geriatric person when I had my second baby at age 35. There has to be a better word for that.
Here is a little gallery to show the women in my life who are there when I need them. Time doesn’t matter, we always pick up where we left off. I love all these women dearly and consider them soulmates.
A song that always comes to mind when I think of my dear friends is “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5.
You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I’ll be there
I’ll reach out my hand to you
I’ll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I’ll be there
(I’ll be there)
And oh, I’ll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I’m so glad that I found you
(I’ll be there)
I’ll be there with a love that’s strong
I’ll be your strength, I’ll keep holdin’ on
(Holdin’ on, holdin’ on, holdin’ on)
Yes, I’ll be
Yes, I’ll be
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well that’s all I’m after
Whenever you need me, I’ll be there
(I’ll be there)
I’ll be there to protect you
(Yea, baby)
With an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name and I’ll be there
(I’ll be there)
And oh, I’ll be there to comfort you
(I’ll be there)
Songwriters: Willie Hutch/Berry Gordy Jr/Hal Davis/Bob West
