A Perfect Girl’s Weekend
Last summer, my dear, sweet friend, Sarah, moved from just down the road from me back to our hometown. As sad as I was to not have her here in Orlando anymore, I certainly understood wanting to raise your family closer to family. That’s the reason we ended up in Orlando in the first place ourselves. And so, when her moving truck pulled away last summer, I did my very best to put on a happy face and send them off with love and best wishes.
But inside, I was so very, very sad. Sarah has been such an important part of my life since we were in 6th grade. I can’t think of too many other friends who have had such a profound impact on me. Having her down the street from me in Orlando was such a gift. We would often meet for 5:00am runs together. Typically, these “runs” turned into rapid, furious walking with brows furrowed and arms pumping while we complained about our jobs, our lacking bank accounts, or our husbands. But just as often, we could hear our laughter bouncing off the quiet, sleeping streets of our neighborhood. It was my favorite way to start the day.
Sarah and I share an unnatural love of reading, and often times, we would meet around 8:00pm, after my kids had been put to bed. We would ride up to Barnes and Noble and spend an hour catching up over Starbucks drinks, followed by another hour just browsing the bookstands.
Saturdays were sometimes spent shopping or going to the movies or just sitting by one of our pools while my kids swam and we got some sun. During the holidays, we were at each other’s tables, and rarely did a family function pass by without Sarah and her husband, Scott, celebrating with us.
When Sarah had her sweet baby girl, Sadie, and told me that they were thinking of moving back home to Pensacola. I was so happy for them, but it was bittersweet. And my days have changed drastically without my dear friend close by.
All of this is to say that this weekend was much needed for me.
Sarah and I went to school in Tallahassee at Florida State University, and it just so happens that FSU is halfway between our cities now. It was the perfect meeting place. We stayed with Sarah’s Aunt Karen, who was like a second mother to us when we were in school, and it was wonderful to spend time with both women. Sarah and I left our kids with our husbands, and had the entire weekend to catch up and reminisce.
We both got into town on Friday night, and immediately resumed our seats at Aunt Karen’s kitchen table, which is just about the most cozy kitchen you have ever sat in. We sat up until 3:00 in the morning, talking and laughing and drinking wine. Sarah and I fell into bed at 3:30, still talking, and we woke up the next morning at 8:00am and picked the conversation up as we laid there, almost as if we had never stopped. There was so much to say!
We spent Saturday morning having a late, leisurely breakfast of banana pancakes and coffee, and then we headed off for shopping. Sarah is my favorite person to shop with because we shop similarly. We break off inside stores to do our own things, then meet back up every 5 minutes or so to show what we have found before slipping off for more individual shopping. Never underestimate a friend who is good to go shopping with. They are few and far between.
That afternoon, we headed to campus to see what had been happening at FSU without us. We drove to old boyfriend’s apartments, bars and watering holes we frequented, and laughed as we shared stories and secrets that were buried long ago in the heart of campus. I had not been back to FSU since I graduated in 2005, and it was perfect to go back for the first time with Sarah.
Saturday night we had great plans to go to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner (Food, Glorious Food, in case anyone is in the area…), but by the time we got home late that afternoon, we were too tired to go back out again. We ate carrot cake for dinner at Aunt Karen’s house, and we were both in bed by 9:00pm where we sat up reading until the wee small hours of the morning. Such a luxury!
It is so hard to let a good friend go. It just about broke my heart when Sarah moved away. But the thing about true friendship is that proximity has no merit. Here or there, it doesn’t matter. Sarah and I carry our friendship with us, and every time we see each other again, it feels like coming home.
Happiness lesson learned: Happiness shines inside lasting, loving friendships.
10 Comments
Trish D
Everyone should have a friendship like this. My best friend and I’ve been friends since before we started school…our brothers played little league baseball together and we would play barbies while they were playing ball. It’s funny, we’re now over 1000 miles apart…but, when we catch up..whether, it’s over the phone, internet or in person..it’s like we’ve never been apart. It’s just comfortable. Glad you had a great weekend with your person!
Sarah
I have been reading (and loving!) your blog for several months now and can’t even remember how I found it… But I had to comment today bc I live in Tallahassee, went to FSU and graduated in 2005! Such a small world, seriously. I have a 2 year old and I love reading about your adorable family… Especially Gracie bc I see my daughter in her… Just a few months behind! Anyway… We love Food Glorious Good too… And I saw your Instagram (I swear I’m not a stalker!) from TJs And we were there earlier that day too. Just had to comment today even though I never do. Good night from tallahassee, glad you enjoyed your visit!! 🙂
Jess
I love this! My best friend Kristin and I met at college in Boston and I live in PA and she lives in Rhode Island now. I miss her terribly all the time but we text/chat every day and email and call and catch up and make weekend visits at least twice a year. Even though we’re miles apart, we never miss a beat when we’re together and I am so thankful she is in my life. I can’t wait until our next reunion in June! True friends know no distance that’s for sure!
Nez
Hi Katie,
what a lovely weekend you had. You truely have a true friend in Sarah. I like the visiting old boyfriend’s apartment. Such a perfect idea to do with a true friend. I am in a happy marriage but it will be fun to reminisce with my bff about the losers we once shared part of our lives. And the late nite sleeping, you had the best time.
Secretn0
I am new to your blog and I loved this post!! I recently moved to a new state with my husband and son where we don’t know anyone. I miss my friends so much! I want to go and visit them for a girls weekend, but have been hesitant to leave my son (I have a disease called mama’s guilt – I am currently searching for a cure!). Reading your post is just what I needed. Your story has motivated me. I miss having shopping buddies and all night talks – I love my husband but he majorly fails in both of those departments! Great post!!
Allison
I totally understand having a friend like this! My best friend from college and I just went on a roadtrip together last weekend (we live 5 hours apart.) We were in the car for 10+ plus and never had a dull moment. Those friends are the best! 🙂
Hilary
I have two cousins who are around my age and even though they lived in Chicago and I grew up in New York, they would always come for a visit during the summer. They are like sisters to me. I had to miss the younger one’s wedding a few years back because my father got very sick. Last month, I emailed them and asked if they’d be up for a girls’ getaway, sort of a belated bachelorette party. We are hitting up New Orleans over Memorial Day weekend and the three of us are just so excited to hang out. Girls need girl time!!
Michelle
When I was almost 16, I had to move from my hometown in California to St. Louis and it broke my heart to leave my best friend behind. But we have maintained contact over the last 19 years- she flew out to be a bridesmaid in my wedding and I did the same for hers. We do our best to get together as time and finances allow. Being several states away, it’s sometimes years before we actually see eachother again- but thanks to the miracle of modern technology, we’re only a phone call, text, or facebook post away. And on those rare times we are able to see eachother, it’s like we were never parted- we’re always able to pick up right where we left off. I truly wish we lived closer to eachother, but I’m so thankful that she’s in my life. Best friends are such a rare gift!
Kattrina
A weekend away with friends sounds so fun and relaxing! My best friend moved three hours away and it is near impossible to get together. I can’t wait for a friend weekend!
Jenna
I just love this! There is nothing like a friend who knows you this well and, as I say, loves you anyway. 🙂