I’ve known the power and beauty of female friendship my whole life.
From the time I can remember being in this world, Miss Judy was part of it—a big smiling, layer wearing bright ray of sunshine that has always been part of the landscape of my life. She has been my mother’s best friend for more than fifty years. We went to her house for Thanksgiving, she came to ours for Christmas, my sister and I both worked at her day school when we were young, and she’s been with us through graduations and weddings and child births and divorces and deaths. Mostly, she’s been my mother’s anchor, a sure and certain protector and confidant of all our family’s joys and struggles—the truest friend, in every sense of the word. I’m sure she knows more about me than I do and she has always held us with tender care. Having her has been like having a second mom.
By watching the way they loved and cared for each other through thick and thin, I learned to be a good friend, too. First and foremost to my baby sister. We’ve been best friends for more than forty years. We watched our Daddy die, our babies grow, and we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing each other become better women because of the unconditional love we’ve given and received from each other. She is the first person I call with both the worst and the best news. She knows my deepest vulnerabilities and yet would never use them to hurt me—but instead helps me see how strength comes from weakness. She can read me like a book but somehow rewrites a better version of me than I have written for myself. She’s the kind of friend we all need—someone who will come when your world burns down around you and will stay when you seem to be setting fire to it yourself.
She has been a wonderful kind of friend and sister to me and to so many others—the kind who gives the benefit of the doubt, who includes and welcomes and forgives and loves, the kind of friend who challenges and inspires and yet protects her people with fierceness. May we thank our Father for gifting us with true friends.
My friend Melanie has written a beautiful memoir about that kind of friendship and all the way through it, I thought of the wonderful women who have graced my life with such love and care. It’s a book that will make you laugh but more importantly, make you remember the women who’ve loved you through thick and thin.
I interviewed her about the book, which launches today! I’m honored to call her friend and blessed to share this work of her heart with you.
Click below to get your copy!
(When I was running this morning—otherwise known as slow jogging and pretty much about to die— I listened to this song, which reminded me how much we need each other.)
Face down in the desert now there’s a cage locked around my heart
I found a way to drop the keys where my failures were
Now my hands can’t reach that far
I ain’t made for a rivalry I could never take the world alone
I know that in my weakness I am strong, but
It’s your love that brings me home
Brother let me be your shelter
I’ll never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home
FACE BOOK SKIN CARE CLASS!
From you own home and your own cute jammies you can join me for a skin care class where I’ll tell you all about the products I’ve been using the last few months!
Can’t wait to read it – love Melanie & her books. Thanks for the great interview, ladies!! xo
That was so much fun! I am hoping you will link to your new jeans!
love both of you
&i love running…slow painful jogging…to that song too!!
ps–drew holcomb? are you listening to him? bought all his cd’s…current fave too!
LOVE YOU!!
I’ve listened to Drew but haven’t gotten hooked yet?!
Mwahhhhh, we love you too!! Wish you were here.
And Drew? I’ve listened but I need to keep trying if you love him that much!
xoxo
Love the golden antlers coming out of your head in the video!
🙂
YES!!
Hi Edie,
I was just wondering, because I love them so, if you’re planning on continuing the menu plans?
Thanks!
Leilani W
Sending one out tonight in my newsletter!
I’m hoping to keep them up in the newsletters!
Thanks for sharing this! You two are adorable and remind me of my friends. My bestie introduced me to Melanie’s books … we are going to read the new one together! 🙂
Heep Me Rhonda! I want to join the facebook skincare group, but can’t ! It’s like they know I’m not 40…yet, but “I’m gonna be forty someday…it’s just out there” Let me know if there is a secret hand shake to get in. xoxoxo
I’ll get you in sweet darlin!! And you’re not even CLOSE to 40 with that baby soft skin! Mwahhhhh!
I never did get in, pray tell how’s do’s I’s do it? xoxoxoxo
Thank you for introducing me to Melanie Shankle. I went right out and bought her book and could not put it down. Laughed and cried all the way through it. Then I went and bought it for both of my daughters (because nothing is sweeter than when your daughter becomes your friend!!) and have suggested it to everyone I come in contact with.
She’s pretty awesome!! So glad you loved it! xo
Oh gosh, that song brought tears to my eyes!
where’ve ya been?
I miss your posts! Come back soon!
Thank you so much Rachel. Sending love your way.
🙂
I’ve been longing for your wisdom…hope all is well and that you are back to posting soon!!
Edie, Watching you and Melanie together was so much fun. I’ve known “of” you for a long time, but have not had a chance to spend time on your blog and get to know you here. You are lovely! You two made me smile and appreciate my friends, and want to make new friends, and want to be a better friend. Loved it. (And loved Melanie’s book!)
NEEDTOBREATHE!