The Summer of My Tribe

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I immersed myself in Army Wives Season One last week and now I see everything in terms of that show.   It occurred to me that I do have a tribe and I'm going to spend much of this summer seeing them


Two weeks ago, I had Cassandra and DL Sly over for the weekend.  Although I had never met Sly face to face, I had been talking to her on the phone for quite some time.  Believe me when I tell you that she is just as warm, real and friendly as she seems in comments and posts.  Cassandra and I have followed each other around the Marine Corps for two decades and never managed to be in the same place at the same time.  We didn't meet until I emailed her over two years ago about one of her posts.  It's like I've known both of them my whole life though and they are definitely part of my tribe.  And yes, in case you're wondering, we had a blast that weekend!!!! 


My littlest KV from 1st LAR days emailed me this morning and I am going to have lunch with her and her family along with a couple of other members of my tribe tomorrow.  I haven't seen littlest KV for three years and I am so excited.  She was always one of the first people to volunteer or show up whenever there was a need.  All of this done at the ripe old age of 18.


Another member of my tribe who will be attending the get together tomorrow is Norma.  She is a 1st LAR girl but she is alot more than that to me.  I think the story that most reveals why I treasure her friendship is this one (although there are more):  Our unit lost a Marine over halfway through and on the day of his memorial service, I discovered that no other wives had planned to attend.  I understood that.  We were all getting burned out.  I called Norma to see if she was going to attend.  If not, I would be the only wife there.  She found out the situation and within 20 minutes had put on a nice outfit, found a babysitter and we were on our way.  You can't put a pricetag on friendships like that.


A little later on this summer, my Soul Sista is coming for a visit.  She lives halfway around the world and I haven't seen her for 3 years either.  Her back patio became one of my sanctuaries when Lancelot was deployed.   She cheers me up when I'm down, mothers me when I need it and always knows the right thing to do or say.  She dances a mean LawnMower too.  I can't wait to take her to Wegmans!!!


Between now and when Soul Sista arrives, I will get to see a friend I made in Monterey way back in the day.  Mi Hermana always, ALWAYs could be counted on to throw the best party evah!!!  That 70's party for her sister in law's birthday is the stuff legends are made of.  Oh..and the naughty, naughty adult easter egg hunt..yeah..that one won't ever be forgotten either..


And then there's our own Andi.  I don't think I'll get to see her this summer but I remember how we met.  I emailed her about something I had seen in the paper and she emailed me right back.  We emailed back and forth for a bit and somehow, I convinced her to help me with my first Operation Santa at the Hospitals.  When we finally met face to face, I confess that I was SO nervous.  Since then, whenever I've had a hare brained scheme, she's always been ready with the "what can I do to help?"       A friend who's willing to follow your shaky lead and trust that you'll get it right (even when YOU don't think you will...sheesh!!!), that's a friend.


And speaking of the hospitals, there's no friend who understands what goes on there better than MaryAnn from Soldiers' Angels.  She is most assuredly part of the tribe because when I can't wrap my brain around something, she'll either confirm that THAT is indeed a stupid thing or tell me why things are the way they are.  MaryAnn is one of those people who'll tell you the truth always.   She is plain spoken and big hearted all at the same time.  She is one of a kind and I thank God for her every.single.day.


It occurs to me as well that you all are my tribe.  All the authors and all the commenters here are part of my tribe and I hope I am part of yours as well. 


Who's in your tribe?  What do they do for you that makes them special?  How do you give back?


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