A Toast to..

Earlier this week Nancy and I  gathered with the some of The Swim Team members for a grueling evening of land conditioning.  Alright, it was an evening of food and fellowship, and the only conditioning we did was going to and from the kitchen.  Anyway, I digress.  It was a beautiful night, perfect for sitting and talking and laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. It was one of those "this is what life's all about" moments.  We made some silly toasts periodically throughout the evening--one of my favorites involved  broken ankles and another had to do with avoiding women with PMS and a GPS.  You would've had to have been there.  

As I looked around the table at these strong, creative, intelligent women I was struck with how blessed I was to call them friends.  Today I would like to offer my not-quite-so-silly toasts to these water workout warriors.

Here's to my brown-nosed friend who always pays attention in Cycle class, which helps guilt the slackers into working harder.  Thanks!  I raise my glass to my traveling companion, workout buddy and co-author of our soon-to-be published book.  No way could I do any of it without you--or even want to try!  Cheers to my once grumpy friend who now adds so much humor to our times.  I do understand why you didn't name your second child after me, but I still think of her as "little Becky."  I toast the social director and master of dialects, who can turn a mundane email into a comic work of art. You are a true entertainer.   No gathering would be complete without you.

Here's to the downtown member who ALWAYS points out how cute we all look, thus bringing an extra skip to our step.  This, I might add, is especially appreciated those times when we may not be feeling all that cute.  Here's to the Martha Stewart of the group whose creativity captures the beauty of nature and creates a serenity that calms the soul. What a wonderful gift.  Here's to the swim team captain who always welcomes us with a smile, floating devices and brownies (calories sorely needed for the hard workouts she designs!) and is always there with a shoulder to lean on.

To the members that weren't there: I raise my class to the science teacher who shares her wisdom as well as her joy in having conquered a major obstacle and has become quite dolphin-like in the water.  Another toast to the only Kentuckian who is willing to cross the bridge for the sake of the team and brings with her a gentle spirit and a true touch of class.

And here's hoping you can look around and find a reason to toast the people who help define you, who support you, who share in the ups and down on this journey we call life.  Cheers!