Every year in January, five beautiful young ladies gather for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Each may or may not bring her "feller". A companion can be a daughter, son, or sister. But it happens every year like clockwork.
As the group makes their way to the rodeo, many great memories are rehashed, new ones made and stories of the past revisited. It has been over 46 years since these bonds of friendship formed. There are many memories of childhood, dating, marriage, babies, grand babies, death, and disaster. But whether the memories are good or bad, happy or sad, old or new, the bond among these five remains strong.
This group together can withstand anything. It doesn't matter what the tragedy, the celebration or the incidental action, the five stand undivided. Their bond is beyond strong, woven together with the toughest of fibers, and yet at times stretched to the thinnest of thin with the demands that are put forth on them. No matter the test, the bond holds true.
You may not like one of them, two of them or all of them, but they are a package deal. If you make an enemy of one, you make an enemy of all. Their loyalty is fierce, their love for each other surpasses the tallest building, and their zaniness hits an all time high when in the same vicinity.
They may go days or weeks without seeing or speaking to each one individually or as a group. They may play phone tag at all hours. They may drive within 5 miles of each other with no time permitted for a meeting. Regardless of the space or distance, this group is tight.
They are my sweet dear friends. They are Ya Ya's, Yum Yum's, and the Cashmere Mafia. They have seen me at my best, and supported me at my worst. They are frightfully honest, unwaveringly open, and not afraid to tackle any conversation. I am blessed to have them in my life. Thanks for the memories. Looking forward to many more!
In honor of Amy, Carla, Dana and Gayla!
