The Ya Ya Sisters!

Day 17- I am thankful my Ya Ya sisters! Like most, I discovered the world of facebook a couple of years back and slowly friends and family were located. So fast forward to October 2009 when I get a friend request from childhood pal named Terri, I could not remember the last time we saw each other. We spent months messaging back and forth, trying to learn all about each other's lives across the miles and the years. Others from my childhood soon joined in the online mini reunion. Terri suggested we meet when I was in the area


during my summer visit to my parents.

Have to admit, I was a bit nervous as I drove up to her home, after all 30 years is a long time. My fears were erased as petite blond in heels ran to meet me and nearly knocked both of us over with a hug. As we sat and talked, it seemed neither the years nor miles mattered as we could have talked and laughed for days. During that fateful summer it seemed my childhood was coming back to life as Robyn, Lynda and others welcomed me with open arms. It was hard to leave them behind and move to the big city when I was in Junior High but that was the hand dealt and now I was cashing in my chips for holding onto the right cards.

The four of us used facebook to keep with each other's lives, compare notes on our separate 30th HS reunions that summer and just laugh at each other. We soon added a fifth member of the group, Pauline. Seems all we were missing was a good old fashioned slumber party.


We have just completed a year of birthday celebrations for each sister( no matter what) and a few slumber parties. Since Terri is the oldest or should I say first on the calendar, so she earned a surprise Birthday party. Months of planning, sweating out the details and some small white lies to keep her guessing...the greatest surprise was done! The Ya Ya sisterhood was formed and we had our first Queen of the Ya Ya's- title given the month of your celebration, she quickly proclaimed herself Queen Forever...yea, whatever!

The past year has been more than slumber parties, wine tasting or matching shirts. We are there for each for in times of celebration and in the hour of need. We have held each other in great sorrow as a loved one passed or sat bedside at the hospital praying for one's health to improve. We have formed a bond that started in 1st grade and will last a lifetime. This sisterhood is unique as its members. I am so blessed and comforted to call this group my "sisters" : Terri-our most generous, humorous and compassionate one and loves to hug the stuffing out of you. Since she is the go to gal for every non profit charity or committee ever formed she feels she has earned an honorary medical degree, we just humor her by calling her Dr.!

Lynda- our outspoken member and one of the nicest folks you will ever meet. You want her on your side if someone did you wrong because she will have your back. She has the voice of an angel and truly knows everyone in town!

Robyn- our cheerleader and is one of the the funniest story teller I have ever know. She is loved by so many because she is an excellent educator and touched so many lives.


Pauline- our "Saint", as she is kind, reserve, great sense of dry humor and desperately tries keeping the rest of us in line with calm and reason! Her faith is strong and never ceasing. I think she often wonders how she got herself associated with this wild group.

Singer-Songwriter Paul Overstreet in his lyrics said it best in" What are Friends For?"



Ever since I can remember
We've been on each other's side
Kept each other's secrets
Never ever had to lie
You very seldom find one
so faithful and so true
You've always been there for me
and I'll be there for you




Cause what are friends for?
if not to stand beside you
if not to be there when you need them
What are friends for?
If your heart is ever lonely
you can knock upon my door
rest your burdens on me
what are friends for?

These ladies all live within an hour drive of each other and yet, they reach across this great State to include me in their lives, pray for my family and try to help me play catch up for years I was away from them. Yes, I am thankful for facebook for finding my childhood friends and bring us back together...the Ya Ya Sisters are a blessing and I am so thankful!