Richmond, Friends, Hermitage and Epilepsy

Last weekend Ryan and I traveled to Richmond to attend a baby shower.  I was so excited.  It had been so long since I had gone through and revisited old locations and seen my old friends.

Saturday morning/afternoon we met with my friend and former next door neighbor whom I grew up with.  We sat and had lunch together and time passed by so quickly.  We spent several hours sharing memories with each other and all of the fun adventures that we participated in...including creating a radio station.  We were so awesome and the coolest kids on the block!

Following lunch I wanted to visit Hermitage.  I loved my high school.  I loved my teachers, my classes, study hall, lunch breaks, the dances and football games...it was a real life Saved by the Bell and it was perfect!  

Ryan and I drove away from Hermitage and headed to the baby shower.  My friend, Amy, was having a baby girl and we came over to celebrate.  My friend, Li was also attending.  This was the first time that we had been together in 17 years (I spend time looking at my senior memory book and there are pictures of the three of us throughout-we were besties)!  My favorite memory from the evening was sharing our favorite stories about high school, our favorite teachers and why, the fun we would have on the cold Friday evenings watching our football team.  Needless to say, I left each visit with tears, because I didn't want to say goodbye again.  I love Richmond and I love my friends so much!

I was so fortunate, because the day after the shower was the Epilepsy Foundation Richmond Stroll.  It was so nice being with others that have epilepsy.  The Foundation had many educational materials and lots of nice free stuff too, including a stress ball shaped like a brain...and free lunch (subs, chips, fried chicken, macaroni salad and potato salad).  Following lunch we took a stroll together.  

The one part I failed to mention was that the Stroll was held at the Washington Redskins Training Facility.  Ryan and I arrived with our Ravens gear, so even though we weren't donning the burgundy and gold, it was okay, because purple is the color for Epilepsy Awareness.  We're proud of our team too!!

I love you Richmond!!  You'll always be my home!  Thank you friends (Trista, Amy and Li) for being there for me and for sharing this special time.  You'll always be my best friends.  I love you!