May 12, 2010

in real life


We write and we read... and our outer selves become transparent... so that all there is left to see is our hearts. Really, the best of us. And so... the anticipation of a first meeting with a new friend, in real life, was a little less stressful that it might have been. I knew that she would like me... and I knew that I already liked her. I wondered what we would talk about... wondered about what was really left to say... since we kind of say it all here. But I let nothing (not even knowing I would be meeting her in my swimsuit!) dampen my excitement over finally meeting Corinne... in real life.

When I got her email a few weeks ago, I was filled with delight and almost disbelief... Corinne was coming to Florida, and she said was just imagining us and our kids playing at the beach. Well, we are both beach loving girls. I was really amazed that she was willing to pack two little ones into her parents car and drive across the state for a few-hour visit... after she'd already travelled miles and miles by airplane. Amazed... and truly excited.

And so... I made my kids play hookie on Friday. It didn't take too much to convince Laura... but Camden, the boy who has been counting down the days of school since January, was, unbelievably, a harder sell. It took some doing but at long last, he caved... and we headed off to the beach. Kids and my chaperone (Eric) in tow, we headed off to meet Corinne... who is definitely not an axe murderer. I have to say... I was right. I recognized her heart instantly, even if I couldn't quite distinguish the color of her car. There in the parking lot, it was like two long-lost friends meeting up for the day... nothing imaginary about it. Once we hit the beach, and had warm sand between our toes, the chatting came easily, and there was plenty to say. And we had fun! She is a good Mama. She took her son's mood in stride and never pushed him. She shared her lunch with her daughter and barely minded the sand running through the lettuce and around the bread.

And all at once, her kiddos warmed up and were having as grand a time as we were. Laura & Paige playing in the sand... and Fynn finally gave in and was laughing away with Cam & Eric as they rode the waves with the boogie board. We laughed about having babysitters, and it gave two real-life friends a few minutes to chat on a little longer. I think we both would have liked to have another hour or three... but for this trip... it was enough to meet and splash and dig in the sand.

Today, Corinne is saying goodbye to her parents and heading back home. Will you say a bit of prayer for her? Flying with two little ones is never easy, and her two sweeties didn't exactly love the plane. So while I'm praying for a safe trip back for her, I am also adding in a prayer for an easy flight...
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16 comments :

Anonymous said...

Aw, what a great experience for you guys. I must say I'm a bit jealous of both of you. :) Corinne is such a sweetie. We are just getting to know each other a bit more-- and she is a dear. Definitely sending out prayers for her as she flies. :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

How wonderful!!!! I am happy that you both were able to meet up!!!
I would guess that anyone who knows anything about you, would drive even further than across the state!!!

Rosemarie said...

That's so cool! I had a dream once about meeting a blogger friend - never met one IRL yet, though.

I will definitely pray that she has a safe EASY flight - I can't even imagine trying that!

Loui♥ said...

Dawn..
what a wonderful, delightful post!
I too have made an effort to meet up with blogfriends after having flown halfway across the country to visit family!
and those blogfriends?
not a single axe murder among them..they are just as real in personas in blogland!
my sis usually comes along for the ride..
and believe it or not, she's made some new found friends too!!
yes.prayers for a young mom and her kids flying..safely..
via con Dios..
warmest hugs..
Loui♥

Pam said...

I have become 'in real life' friends with two girls I met in the blogging world. Isn't it fun?! I sat next to one of them in BSF this morning. :)

tracie @ {tsj} photography said...

what a blessing and how fun!! i love hearing stories like this one!

Sharon @ Hiking Toward Home said...

So happy for you all! Glad you had a great time together. Someday I would love to meet some the few I follow and read.

Corinne Cunningham said...

We made it home :) (won't even get started about the flight... but we made it!!)
Thank you so much Dawn, I have tears in my eyes after reading this a second time! It was such a wonderful day, and cannot thank you enough for it :) Love you, lady!!

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

This is SO cool -- I only wish you both had come down to S. Florida!!

Very neat post and pictures and day!

jenn said...

how exciting! maybe one day it will be us!?

Elizabeth @claritychaos said...

AHHH! I love it. I love that you two got to hang out (and I wish I could too!) I love the first line of this post, Dawn. About being so transparent that all that's left to see are our hearts. That is really, really beautiful. Just lovely. I may have to borrow that from now on....

xo elizabeth

Kelli said...

How wonderful to be able to meet in real life!! Maybe one day I'll get to meet a few bloggy friends!!

Richella Parham said...

What do you want to bet there are a lot of us feeling jealous of Corinne just now? Not because of flying with two little children. . . but because she got to spend the day with you!

This is a wonderful post. I'm really happy for you that you got to meet and enjoy getting to know one another in real life.

I still remember that other post you wrote. . . about how online friends are in fact REAL. . . how we know one another heart to heart even if not face to face. I remember that, and I am so grateful for it.

Michelle DeRusha said...

I can't believe you and Corinne got to meet each other and hang out -- that totally rocks!

imoomie said...

Thanks for sharing with the rest of us in the sisterhood of blogger world!

It is true that you two are probably the two biggest beach lovers I visit online. What a perfect day for you both and to see you and your children intertwined in in real life is surreal!

Unknown said...

Isn't that the best? I met my blog friend Drew and I just LOVED her. My Dad and husband thought Drew was a BOY! And they thought I was going away overnight to a HOTEL with a boy! Seriously. Can you even believe them?
I hope she is home safe and sound. Her children are beautiful!

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