Housewarming

My dear friend Karen is having a housewarming party today. I am so happy for her! She didn't buy a new house, she actually sold a house in order to rent a smaller house, but it represents a new step for her. It represents freedom. When I first met Karen around 14 years ago at a playgroup at the local community center, it never occurred to me that all these years later we would be such great friends. We have been through a lot in our lives, yet through it all we have been there with words of understanding, advice, or just to listen. The way friendship should be. When she got divorced a few years ago I watched her turn from someone who was afraid of the threats her ex was making, into a strong woman who was able to order that man out of her house after he felt it was ok to make himself at home when dropping a child off after a visit. She has changed drastically and it's been a joy and privilege to watch the transformation. The house she had with her husband was too much for her. Too much time, work, money. It was time to down size and simplify. It is actually costing her more money to live in her new place, but the freedom and feeling that come with it are priceless. So here's to Karen - May your new home bring you much happiness and may you make the best memories of you life there! Cheers!