I saw a squirrel today and it made me laugh. There, of course, is a fabulous story about the squirrel but that can be kept between friends. So I texted my friend Amy to let her know about the squirrel (I'm guessing she laughed too) but I also asked how she was because she had been feeling pretty bad yesterday. She apparently was feeling better and would be heading off later to make her weekly appearance on Cville Plugged In. After her segment she texted me to let me know that her nose started running 15 minutes before she was on air and she coughed during the segment. It didn't matter what I texted, the response I got back was something worse. Finally I wanted to say, 'Okay, you win. That sucks!'. But I didn't. (Now she knows)
That exchange is why I finally started the blog that I have been saying I would do for over a year now.
You see, I've only known Amy for about a year. I moved to Charlottesville for Richmond in 2006. I left behind all the friends I went to lunch, events and stores with. In fact, I still talk to my best friend in Richmond almost every day. But Amy should know that last week, I needed to get off the phone with my friend from Richmond because there was another call coming in. That call was from Amy. And there was something that I had to share with her. I needed to hear what she would say about it.
As I have gotten to know Amy better, I have realized that my friendship with her has had such a positive influence on my life. She's not perfect and doesn't pretend to be (which is why she shouldn't worry about tonight's segment) but what she is, is strong. She's a great mother to two very fun and very pretty girls, she's a fun and loving wife and she operates her own business Suzy Said.
Amy has her own personal blog as well Finding Amy...Again. I encourage every woman to follow her blog. She is amazing! She has made a conscious decision to take her health seriously and work at it everyday. And I mean work! She eats well, she teaches her family to eat well and she works her butt off at Clay Fitness.
Listening to and reading about Amy's story is what has kept me optimistic. You see, I am far from happy with my own physical condition. Amy's will has spread and I have started to take control over my health now too. Granted, I'm probably taking baby steps, but I want to make sure that I don't give up. It is hard work when you have done so little for yourself for so long. I have Celiac Disease so eating is always a challenge and that has lead to my Osteopenia (67 year old bones). It's time for me to be strong too.
So Amy, no matter how your hair and makeup looks on Tuesday nights, you still look like an inspiration to me. And that is why my first official blog post is to you. Thank you for sharing your story and your friendship. It has made a real difference to me.
LOVE IT :) You keep writing...you should know though that you're also very strong and I admire you greatly!!
ReplyDeleteGinger,
ReplyDeleteYou are so very correct in your description of Amy. I grew up with Amy and she was no different of a type of friend then as she is now. She is an amazing women. I miss her dearly. I will even say I envy you that you could live so close to her. She never had to worry a bit about hair or make up in high school either because she radiates beauty from them inside.
Keep up the good work on "taking care of you!" We mom's have to take care of us first in order to truly take care of others. I am not a officially diagnosed celiac although I am recently choosing to eat like one. I love to cook (and eat) and so I have taken on the challenge of preparing delicious gluten free (actually grain free), dairy free meals. I feel amazing while eating this way. I would be happy to share some great recipes if you'd like.
Take good care of my dear friend! She is worth hanging up the phone with anyone to chat with.
Thanks for sharing such great words! I will continue to follow your blog.
Sincerely,
Jen Williams (Minneapolis, MN)
Jen,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing! Amy is one person that deserves every compliment that comes her way.
I was diagnosed with celiac in 2003 and some days it still feels like it was only last week. It is a diet that takes preparation. To add dairy free to that is a huge challenge - and then grains as well! I guess you could have steak and salad for every meal! :) I make a lot of my own asian food. I find that olive oil, peppers, onions, chicken and some great spices can get me through a week! I would love to hear about what you are eating.