I have been friends with 3 women for almost 3 decades. We are Yayas. We have been through good times and bad times together. Our children have grown up together (more like cousins than friends). Our husbands/significant others are the best of friends. We have vacationed together, gathered for long summer days by the pool, and celebrated holidays together. We have laughed until our sides ached and cried on each other’s shoulders.

Richard’s death was devastating for our group. We could always count on him to be the life of the party. Because of Covid, we did not get together last Christmas and have subsequently missed many of our traditional get togethers over the past year.

Yesterday we all gathered for our Christmas party. After eating and before playing our annual Dirty Santa gift exchange, I was beckoned to the living room. To my surprise, they had arranged so many pictures of Richard on the table. Each person had written a memory of Richard. Layla and Anna shared several memories/stories. I was so deeply moved that they took time to include Richard in this way. I’m so pleased that they understand that I want to continue to include Richard in our lives. I don’t ever want people to feel uncomfortable mentioning his name or sharing a memory.

I’m go grateful to these friends who have become family! I’m thankful for memories and photos of those memories! I cannot thank God enough for our wonderful daughters! I’m so happy Richard still makes us all laugh! I say it all of the time but I’m so thankful for the life that Richard and I built together.

I will add more of the memories that were shared over time, but here are a few from our girls and Jared: