in real life

We write and we read... and our outer selves become transparent... so that all there is left to see is our hearts. Really, the best of us. And so... the anticipation of a first meeting with a new friend, in real life, was a little less stressful that it might have been. I knew that she would like me... and I knew that I already liked her. I wondered what we would talk about... wondered about what was really left to say... since we kind of say it all here. But I let nothing (not even knowing I would be meeting her in my swimsuit!) dampen my excitement over finally meeting Corinne... in real life.

When I got her email a few weeks ago, I was filled with delight and almost disbelief... Corinne was coming to Florida, and she said was just imagining us and our kids playing at the beach. Well, we are both beach loving girls. I was really amazed that she was willing to pack two little ones into her parents car and drive across the state for a few-hour visit... after she'd already travelled miles and miles by airplane. Amazed... and truly excited.

And so... I made my kids play hookie on Friday. It didn't take too much to convince Laura... but Camden, the boy who has been counting down the days of school since January, was, unbelievably, a harder sell. It took some doing but at long last, he caved... and we headed off to the beach. Kids and my chaperone (Eric) in tow, we headed off to meet Corinne... who is definitely not an axe murderer. I have to say... I was right. I recognized her heart instantly, even if I couldn't quite distinguish the color of her car. There in the parking lot, it was like two long-lost friends meeting up for the day... nothing imaginary about it. Once we hit the beach, and had warm sand between our toes, the chatting came easily, and there was plenty to say. And we had fun! She is a good Mama. She took her son's mood in stride and never pushed him. She shared her lunch with her daughter and barely minded the sand running through the lettuce and around the bread.

And all at once, her kiddos warmed up and were having as grand a time as we were. Laura & Paige playing in the sand... and Fynn finally gave in and was laughing away with Cam & Eric as they rode the waves with the boogie board. We laughed about having babysitters, and it gave two real-life friends a few minutes to chat on a little longer. I think we both would have liked to have another hour or three... but for this trip... it was enough to meet and splash and dig in the sand.

Today, Corinne is saying goodbye to her parents and heading back home. Will you say a bit of prayer for her? Flying with two little ones is never easy, and her two sweeties didn't exactly love the plane. So while I'm praying for a safe trip back for her, I am also adding in a prayer for an easy flight...