Some love.

I have good friends. Like, really good friends. And for the first time in a decade, some of the best of them are female. It’s cool. Don’t worry, boys, you’re the loves of my life and you know it. You’d be amazed at this version of me, though. Tonight, I talked about shoes and babies and wedding dress shopping and not only survived, but loved it. And by no means am I insinuating that these women are anything less than brilliant minds and kind souls. But you guys are brilliant minds and kind souls, too, and we talk about beer and video games and hot sauce tech decks more often than not. And that is why I love you! You’re so good! Why has this turned defensive? Hahaha.

The point is that I write a lot here about my boys at home. My beautiful, hilarious boys. But I never give as much credit to the sensational women that I call my best friends here. (As though you haven’t figured yourselves out by now, KelseyAmanda, and Abby [get a blog! :)], you are incredible individuals.)

They are a future professor, a future pastor (bishop?), whatever Abby wants to grow up to be, game-changers, world-shakers, life-lovers, and great, great people. They are women who follow their own dreams, make their own rules, guide their own lives, and have a fantastic time doing so. They are women who understand the importance of their education, their autonomy, and their futures. All the while managing to love and value another person unconditionally.

Of course you know by now that I love your significant others, too! You have amazing men and woman (haha) in your lives, and that shows me how great you really are. You pick good people to be around, and I take much joy from being among you.

This school year has been a crazy ride. A week ago, like many of our classmates, I wasn’t sure I’d be back here next fall. But thinking about spending another year with you  – what a gift. And I know that in a year we’ll all be off to other places, and only some of us will return. But the three (six?) of you will be a part of me forever.

What a great day to be alive.