I am reveling in the joy of a magical morning. A morning of friendship. A morning of celebration. I was invited to join Lorna at her home to celebrate the creative work she’s completed towards a children’s book. Lorna has written a lovely story about her curious son Owen and has been experimenting with different mediums for its illustration.

Upon arriving to her house, I was greeted by a note stuck to her front door. Caught by surprise, I immediately texted Lorna, “…does this mean we are not hanging out at your house?” to which she responded with a unicorn emoji and “envelope on door”.

“Is this for real?” I kept thinking to myself. I walked towards my parked car and then back to her doorway to peer through the windows. Nobody there. “Ok…South 1st and Annie it is. Here I go.” Tears began to well up as it sunk in that my dear friends Trish and Lorna had planned a special surprise for me.

As I pulled up to the corner of South 1st and Annie, I spotted them. “What are they doing?” Bewildered and delighted, there in front of an iconic South Austin mural were my two friends in unicorn masks holding birthday balloons dancing gayly to an inaudible melody of Jamiroquai. It was quite a sight to see.

Now the tears started to stream as they embraced me with congratulatory hugs and belated birthday wishes. I recently received notice of my acceptance into the University of Texas at Austin’s graduate Family Nurse Practitioner program, and I had failed to sneak my December birthday past them.

With hearty laughter and confiding conversation, we enjoyed a lovely morning together over brunch. Arriving home, buzzed from loving friendship, my mind took off on the ways I could possibly extend my gratitude. What gifts could I shower these wonderful ladies with? Reflecting more on their effort to give me love and appreciation, I realize the importance of receiving from them. Can I be still with these feelings of love and appreciation? Can I be still with this heartfelt fully embodied gratitude? Can I allow myself to be loved deeply?

Life can be very dull and dissatisfying without connection, without the intimacy of close personal relationships. Thank you Trish and Lorna for not taking life too seriously and for your relentless compassionate creative curiosity. You’ve reminded me today that 1) We are stronger together 2) Life is a celebration and 3) Joy abounds if you let it.

Namaste! May every moment be fresh!!