Waking Up to a Yes

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.

On Thanksgiving day I was surprised and pleased to wake up to a email from HerStry, “congratulations we love you essay and would like to publish it next week.” HerStry publishes essays and theme based essays. The theme for November was thanks but no thanks.

I returned a gift that was given to me recently by an ex-boyfriend from ten years ago. This past year we reconnected, this time as friends. It didn’t take long for some of his old patterns to emerge, one being a plethora of gift giving. Even as a friend, I began to feel he didn’t respect my time and didn’t always keep his word. Were the gifts an effort to make up for this lack? As our relationship developed back then I remember becoming resentful of his gifts, thinking “I don’t want material things I want his love and respect.”

I had discovered the call of submissions the day before deadline and dedicated an evening to writing and submitting thinking it was a long shot. You just never know.

My essay on HerStry: Wisdom Comes With Age

After the good news my essay would be published, in the remodeled old farmhouse with the loveliest black kitty I was caring for, I cranked up the music and danced as I cooked cheese grits for a late afternoon meal with dear friends. These are friends from when I first moved to Missoula back in 1981, three sisters, their partners and one sister’s adult daughter who I love to pieces. They are family. We have fun memories from the 1980’s magical days in Missoula. They’ve seen and supported me when I was at my worst (back in my drinking days). We are still making fond memories together.

I started the day thankful for a “yes” and ended in gratitude for so many of my friends who feel like family.

As always, thanks for reading,

Frances