My husband needs to be commended.  Actually, he deserves an absurd abundance of praise.  He just put me on a train (as a surprise) to visit some cherished girlfriends who gathered in NYC as part of my birthday celebration.

I was admittedly bewildered and frankly sad that he shipped me away from him and the kids, with no explanation or hint of future plans.  Did he know I was secretly thinking a day to myself would be divine? Was I really that easy to read or was I just that horrible to be around?  My abrupt freedom was consumed by guilt; I was one of those sobbing strangers you see in public spaces and wonder if you should approach them (no one did by the way and I’m trying to decide how I feel about that). 

Eventually we rolled into Penn Station where soon after tears were rolling (again) as well.  There - my two wonderful friends were waiting for me with a most obnoxious green neon sign in hand.  We spent the day doing what good friends – good girlfriends do – we gabbed, we shopped, we pampered, and we dined.  I didn’t realize how much I missed girlfriend time until I had a healthy dose of it.  I’m so grateful for them leaving their husbands, children, and weekend chores behind to be with me.  And of course, I’m also deeply thankful for a husband who in times, knows what I need more than I know it myself.  Or maybe…on occasion…I really am that difficult to be around – in which case I’ll happily head back to NYC again to spend it with dear friends.