I'd like to dedicate this next song to....

[Honeibee]

Last spring I was blessed with an invitation to join the "Minnie Gals" on Minnie Marathon weekend. Cam, Martha, Rhonda, Lily, Carrie, Heather and I spend a FAB-U-LOUS weekend at OKW and had a grand time running the Minnie. What has evolved out of that weekend is the best friendships I have ever known. And if I'm sounding all sorts of mushy right now it's because I miss you guys so much. I really didn't get to spend hardly any time with you at all this past weekend. Now I know what it's like to have a sister that you love.

Anyway, what I really wanted to say was I am SO PROUD OF YOU GIRLS! I know you all so well now, and know how busy your days are and what you struggle with and what hurts and the challenges you face every day. So...ladies.....I dedicate this golden oldie to you.....




I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong
I am invincible
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
'cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to I can face anything
I am strong
I am invincible
I am woman

 

[Kristi1357]

Not a "Minnie Gal," but . Very cool post, Judy!

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Oh Judy - you are the SWEETEST!! My life has been changed by the Minnie friendships throughout this last year - amazing what 6000+ emails can do!

Thank you Judy for your kind words and I hope you know how VERY PROUD we are of you too! You not only did an exceptional job on the half but you supported us at the full as well. And to think that only a few days before you weren't sure about the weekend at all! You are an amazing woman!!

I am proud and blessed to call the Minnie Gals my dearest friends and look forward to sharing many more weekends and emails and phone calls etc. throughout the coming years!

 

[keenercam]

Judy -- No fair! you made me cry! Thank you to all of the Minnie Girls so much for the people you are and the person I am when I am with you.

There are so many special people on the WISH team, some of the kindest most amazing human beings a person could ever hope to know and love. I am so blessed to know all of you! And I never realized when I joined this "weight loss" board on a Disney bulletin board that I would make some of the best friends ever. Love you, mean it!

 

[wtpclc]

So sweet Judy!!! WISH I had more time with you last weekend!

There are so many special people on the WISH team, some of the kindest most amazing human beings a person could ever hope to know and love. I am so blessed to know all of you! And I never realized when I joined this "weight loss" board on a Disney bulletin board that I would make some of the best friends ever. Love you, mean it!

Ditto! SO many WISHers have brought so much to my life. Like, I'd never have completed 1 marathon, let alone 3.

As long as Kristi popped in, I'll share one of my all time fave marathon photos:

CAn you say quality time?

 

[Jen117]

Can I be a Minnie Cousin????

 

[RedDragon]

Judy, Cam, Rhonda, Heather, Carrie, Lily: you are all more dear to me than I can possibly express. I thank you for your friendship, your support, the laughter you bring to my life and grounding me when I need it.

I so look forward to our weekend together in May. I cannot wait to see you all! Many times it is what gets me through tough times.

{{{HUGS}}}

 

[keenercam]

Not a "Minnie Gal," but . Very cool post, Judy!

Kristi -- You may not have had to "live" with me over a weekend, or sleep with one of your closest girlfriends but you are absolutely one precious WISH friend! I will never forget those two miles we shared at the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon! You are fun and funny and motivating!

Can I be a Minnie Cousin????

Oh, absolutely!! I know I am so blessed by all the WISHers who have touched my life and you have always been such an awesome for my weightloss efforts! Aren't we all "sisters" in our hearts? And don't forget -- we'll always have Chicago, Jen!

 

[Kristi1357]

I will never forget those two miles we shared at the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon!

Me either! I will always remember turning to you and saying "wow, I've never gone this far" after we passed Mile Marker 9.