. Agape .

This weekend, a few of my favorites and I spent the day in a small town off of a not-so-busy highway. We were there to celebrate the life of BFF Suzy's mother, Sally. Oh my word, not only was she a wonderful, happy, and loving woman, she was also one of the greatest mothers, and one of the greatest friends. Her memorial was truly a beautiful celebration. 

And you guys, at the reception? Free beer. And golf carts. And a window opened with the breeze blowing in. And a small table with the coolers three feet away. And laughter - sweet, uproarious laughter. And, judging by the pictures I've seen of Sal, I don't think she would've wanted things to be any different.

Eventually, the bathrooms broke, so my favorites and I had to mosey on home. We stopped at a bar called Heroes in Tilden, where pictures of fallen soldiers from Nebraska hung on the walls. I looked at each one, my nose brushing against some of the frames so that I could read the small names printed clearly, and with a firm hand. I met Lyle and Laverne (widows that met twelve years ago), Denny (a retired farmer), Bob the policeman, Peggy the cook, and Gary the owner - a former Marine turned truck driver and also a salesman. He talked me into trying "pickled wiener" ... which tastes just about as terrible as you would think.

When it was all over - when it was all said and done and when we were home again, Suzy and I sat out on the patio and had a few for Sal. Suzy pushed her feet off of the warm patio concrete and I curled up under a well-loved blanket. Obviously, I continued my "big hair, don't care" philosophy. I mean. What is with that cray cray ponytail?

Before things went pear-shaped, and before we could hardly walk, we talked again about Suzy's mom and dad. They were each other's biggest fans. Do you know? They loved each other with this deep, fulfilling and necessary kind of love. Every picture, every note, every look - everything spoke of their love. They were so much a part of each other and the whole day, I was completely blown away by that kind of all encompassing love. And goodness - it's rare.

And then, I walked my ass home in the 70 degree breeze, toasting Sal the whole way. Precisely four minutes later, Suzy would follow me (barefooted) and the night wouldn't end for another three hours.

And then this morning? Well. I'm not 21 anymore, that's for dang sure. 

xoxo, B.