A "Golden Girl" for a night

Last night, I had the honor of being a Golden Girl. The GG's are made up of my mom, my aunt Gail, Jane, and Bonnie. They dubbed themselves the "Golden Girls" MANY years ago when they were more in their "Sex and the City" years, but seemingly knowing their friendship would last throughout their golden years. These women are a group unlike any I know, with an amazing history. My mom and Jane became best friends at 3. They met Bonnie when mom was pregnant with me and of course my Aunt Gail is my mom's sister-in-law (self explanatory).

This foursome has been through every life situation together... from elementary school, marriages, career changes, divorce, countless perms and hair colorings, illnesses, children, grandchildren (10 and counting), more wedding and baby showers than Martha Stewart can claim, loss of parents and recently the loss of a spouse. There friendship was put to the test this past September when Bonnie lost her husband to cancer, and in true Golden Girls style they saw her through it and continue to hold her up. They are a true testament to what Christian friendship looks like.

They began going to Atlanta when my brother was 2 for my mom's birthday ( having a toddler of my own, I now see their need for a girl's getaway weekend!!) 26 years later it is still a tradition they don't miss.

My dad bought tickets for the GG's (he is very sweet and thoughtful like that, especially knowing how much he loves Vince Gill) to the Vince Gill "A Song for the Children" concert benefiting the Children's Advocacy Center of Hamilton County and because of a prior commitment my Aunt Gail couldn't go... so I got her ticket. We had a great meal at Taco Mamacito (used to be Dirty Nelly's) then headed to the Tivoli.

Vince Gill is such an amazing performer with the most soulful, pure voice, and impressively played 6 different guitars. Not to mention... the most beautiful crystal blue eyes! I have to say, he did this concert free of charge so every dollar raised went to the CAC. I find that very bittersweet... wonderful, that a celebrity would give his time and talent to help raise money for such a needed cause, and sad, that this great city even needs a CAC to protect our children from physical and sexual abuse.

I saw first hand as a teacher what abuse does to a child and can do to their future if someone doesn't step in. I can't even comprehend it... especially after having one of my own. These past few weeks, I have followed in the news, 2 cases where babies have been shaken to dead by a "loved one". My heart breaks for those children and the families they left behind. When I got home from the concert, I got Trace out of his crib and rocked him. I couldn't help myself... I just needed to hold him. He was so sweet and peaceful sleeping in my arms and I prayed to God for him and others that are so helpless to protect and defend themselves.

Thank you GG's for letting me share your night. You set such an example of what is truly important in life. Rose, Blanche, Dorothy, and Sophia don't hold a candle to you guys... I love you all!!