Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Chuck and I picked up some dear ALabama friends that are camping near us to take to dinner Friday evening.

We had to use the convertabile because truck is still in shop. There were 3 ladies in the back that had to sit very close to one another. And no, couldn't put top down because one lady has her hair done at beauty shop so certainly did not want to blow it out.

These ladies are ages 81, 74, 74. They are extremely attractive, extremely active, and look years younger than their age. All are extremely sweet and fun to be around.

We love them dearly.

Anyway we had a nice time and let me tell you these little ladies and Chuck (70) ate a montain of food. One lady is skinny (looks good, though), one lady is normal weight, one lady is just a bit chubby, and my Chuck more than a little chubby ate like there was no tomorrow.

It was fun to watch them eat with such gusto. Of course, they do not eat like this often. This was a treat beause they were camping out of state and this restaurant is not in their home area.

Friends, these ladies were and are having a ball dancing at The Bluegrass Festival which lasts till Sunday.

I was able to get thru my meal and saw everyone else was only halfway thru. By this time back/legs were hurting pretty badly. i decided i was not going to let myself develop a horriblE flare so excused myself from the table, went out to car, rubbed down in Vick's (yes, I carry it with me), tunred on the radio, smoked a cig and waited.

Waited for pain to subside and friends/Chuck to come out. They took about 15 mins, but was fine for it gave all my "things" time to start working.

We drove 30 mins to drop them off at campground. Much love and many hugs were exchanged. The ladies were stuffed with food but were happily anticipating a night of music and dancing.

then we started home. A drive of 30-45 mins. Yes, top was down and view lovely.

And...

I began feeling pity for self.

Once home Cassie/Zach/Hannah/Kman were already here. It was Friday night so movies were to come. No dinner this night just snacks like popcorn, cheese crackers, colas, and a box of tasty chocolates.

While watching a movie I spoke up and sais how I wished I was as neatly dressed/groomed as the 3 ladies we had been with.

Well, Cassie and Zach became overly protective, jumped up and told me I was the prettiest lady who had ever lived. They also threw in I had the most awesome personality.

After they finished I calmly told them I ust meant I wished I was better groomed than I am.

Again they made speeches about my lovliness inside and out. Even got to pointing out my skin, my laughter, my joy.

Wel...

I was not prepared for them becoming sooo upset I had questioned my pysical beauty.

LOL!

God bless them. I know they see me thru eyes of love and like the song says,

"THESE ROSE COLRED GALSSES THAT I'M LOOKING THRU....SHOW ONLY THE BEAUTY BUT THEY HIDE ALL THE TRUTH..."

God bless them.

Hugs

Never laid eyes on you but know that you are one of the most beautiful ladies on planet earth. Grooming is grooming and anyone can spruce up when they want to. Very few can claim beauty that radiates from the inside out as I know you do.

kjv1956

Many hugs

Libby

I think a day at the hairdresser is in order, "just because"! A nice spa day. Maybe a manicure, too!

All my beautiful dresses, skirts, pants, shorts, blouses, tops, coats, jackets, sweaters, hi-heels, casual shoes, tennis shoes, sandels, flip-flops, lots of make-up, fav perfumes/lotions/powders, montly hairdressing appointments/manicures/pedicures, many face care products/hair products, rings/earrings/necklaces/braclets/watches/pins, all sexy lingerie...beautiful jeweled bras/matching panties, sexy slips/camisoles, soft/silky hosiery, no pjs...just gorgeous nighttime lingerie...

All gone.

How I cried for awhile. Just awhile, though. Because being stripped of all the above left nothing but...me.

Just me.

And from this enforced strip down I found something far more beautiful than all my pretty, pretty things.

I found me.

Just me.

And I fell in love with her. I saw beauty beyond what the naked eye can see. I saw a person that I liked and would be friends with anytime. I saw a person that loved deeply and was deeply loved.

From that moment on I rarely had neg feelings about "me."

I adore my many pjs, comfy clothes, comfy shoes, and messed up, sticking everywhere hair as never before.

I love my bare face even when my eyes have dark circles from illness.And my hairy legs...well...they just are.

I know I laugh, love, and have joy a thousand times greater than before.

Sometimes I think I have glimpsed my soul.

Thank you dear friends for beautiful encouragment.

i wish you could have seen Cassie/Zach so passionate about how beautiful I am physically as well as from my heart.

Sometimes I think they that love me have seen my soul, too.

Many hugs

Thanks Bits for reminding us of what is truly important.

We had rented a lovly 2 story beach-house right on the beach. It was amazing with floor to ceiling glass windows surrounding the living room, dining room and kitchen. It had full living quarters downstairs with bedroom and 2 bedrooms upstairs.

The reason we wanted so much space was for our children and neices/nephews to come and stay awhile. We stayed a month.

Some of them came and we had a ball.

However, Chuck and I did have much alone time.

Anyway, the picture (taken by daughter) shows the back of a "not so young" couple headed out in the ocean. I quess we are standing in 3-4 feet water. Our hair is grey. Our entire back of our bodies are chubby and flabby. And we are holding hands.

It appears we are holding hands just from a loving standpoint...we are not.

He is steadying me. At that time I was mostly in a wheelchair and it was impossible for me to stand or walk without help.

I look at that pic nearly everyday and I see the sweetest grey haired chubby couple ever. And I see/remember the absolutly glorious time we had. I see such raw beauty in that picture.

How wonderfully free I am.

Thank you Lord.

I should have included that my fav pass time is taking photos. I must have a million of pictures of family and friends. I do have a few fav's but on in my heart today is of my grandmother and I. I was holding my youngest he was 2 at the time, my grandmother was 100. Our family, from all over the the U.S.A. California, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Illinois came to Wisconsin to celebrate her. My nephew took a picture us at this event. I remember the love and admiration I felt for her at that moment, it filled my heart. I guess I knew it would be the last time I saw this wonderful person who gave me unconditional love through my life. My cup runneth over.

We also had a family photo taken, 5 generations, but this photo will always be on my top ten.