Happy Birthday Bentley

A blast from the past in honor of a dear friend's Birthday! Carole King's, Tapestry, reminds me of driving around with my friend, Bentley.
At sixteen years old, we were confident we had the world by the tail and nothing could stop us! (At that time, very little got in the way of our fast-forward motion!!!)
We plugged in the 8-track tape, cranked up the volume, and grabbed the nearest "microphone" while we sang ( I am sure very off-key) at the top of our lungs. In the car, the windows had to be down. Inside, we had to find a "stage" to perform on.
Our "microphones" depended on what was available at that moment. Hairbrushes, curling irons, hair dryers, spoons, forks, pens, pencils, shoes, you name it, anything could be a "microphone".
Our "stage" could be any location, a bed, coffee table, patio deck, or chair. Just as long as we felt like we were on stage.
We worked hard, we played hard!
No one could "Feel The Earth Move Under Our Feet" the way we did!
As teenagers, we were the leaders of our peers at church. We would organize and plan activities in a manner I have rarely observed in my many years of working with teens. We had the most incredible adult support. Their confidence in us built my self-worth and desire to become a better person.
Bentley and I eventually "grew up" and, separately, faced challenges in our lives. Things that no one should have to go through, yet, many of our early confidence-building experiences gave me the courage to move forward, stay on course, and live a productive life. The love and support I felt as a teen, from so many directions, pointed me in a positive direction, even when I got off course. I continue to draw on the love and support recieved from the leaders and teachers of my teenage years. Evidence of the critial role supportive, positive adults play in the lives of children at every stage, yet most importantly, teens. As a Young Women leader, I have felt the weight of this truth many times.
Happy Birthday, Bentley! To celebrate your Birthday, I would love to hop in the car, turn up the Carole King CD and reminisce! We live miles and worlds apart, yet at any moment, we can call, write, or get together and the conversation is as if we have never been apart.
We've made it this far!
I Love You!!!!