My Tribe

posted by Momo Fali on March 9, 2015

I was going to sit down and write thank-you notes this weekend to the hundreds (really, that sounds crazy, but it’s truly hundreds) of people who have reached out to me in the last couple of months; cards, emails, gifts, texts, wine, food…so much food…phone calls, visits from old friends and time spent with family. I have a LOT of people to thank. It’s a little overwhelming. Also, my pants are tight.

food

Instead I drank wine with my sisters, reconnected with an old friend from high school, played games at an arcade, enjoyed a full day of sunshine and laughter with some of my best friends, went to church, took a gaggle of teenage girls to the mall, went for a run, and ate tater tots.

I did manage to buy my neighbor some flowers, but that was only because I really needed to return the mountain of containers in which she presented me with dish after dish of Egyptian cuisine. If you are what you eat, I AM FLAN.

I’ve done a lot of thinking about the people who have been closely surrounding me lately and I’ve come to the realization that most of my best friends – the people who are always there for me, surround me with love and laughter, hold my hand when I cry, listen to me, advise me, and cheer me on – are some of the most screwed up people I’ve ever known.

I take that back, they are not screwed up, their lives have been. They have personally dealt with abandonment, drug abuse, alcoholism, mental illness, physical illness, death, disability, infidelity, and more. Over the last few days, looking around at some of them, I have marveled at their strength and resilience.

I have come to see that these people, who can go through hell and come out the other side still laughing and enjoying what life has to offer? Well, these are my people. They are my tribe and there is a great force that has brought us together. And, despite what we’ve been through, we’re awfully lucky.

I am a firm believer that anything worthwhile is only worthwhile if you have to fight for it. I don’t think anything comes easy and if it did, how could you truly savor the results? It’s like having a helicopter drop you off on the top of a mountain instead of climbing up the side. You know the view would be much sweeter if you got there yourself.

And, that’s what my friends have done. They’ve fought and clawed through life to find there is still a sweet view; that we can high-five each other for making it to the top without dying, then head back to base camp and grab a beer.

Yep, these are my people. I’m so fortunate to have them climbing through life with me.

    Comments

  • Melisa


    Love you. Also I’m glad you can’t blame only me for your tight pants anymore

    • Momo Fali


      No, that’s still pretty much your fault. 😉

  • Jasmine


    <3

    • Momo Fali


      Back at you. Your card is still on the front of my refrigerator. 🙂

  • Elan Morgan


    i love that you’ve been surrounded by so much love.

    • Momo Fali


      Me too, Elan! Me too.

  • Vivian


    Dear Flan (AKA Momo Fali, AKA Diane),

    You are loved by so many people because YOU have loved so many, by your actions and your writings. If I were there, I’d bring you a big pan of brownies, but since I’m not, I’m sending them telepathically, along with love and a hug. You’ll get through this.

    • Momo Fali


      I love you, dearly! And, your brownies are delicious (in my mind)!

  • Karen Sandoval


    you say your pants are tight, yet you look so much thinner than the last time I saw you in person! way to go on the transformation! Seriously, you are knock out beautiful. I wish we were closer, I’d bring you mac and cheese so you would have to wear tights as pants. xo

    • Momo Fali


      Mmm…mac and cheese. I wish you lived closer, too. 😉 Thank you. SO much. You made my day.

  • lisa


    Momo, I follow you (one of your TRIBE) of bloggers and mama’s and I admire you for your tenacity, your humor, honesty. You are priceless, gifted, hysterical and real. Don’t ever stop writing. I loved your post, a true survivor with a rich and deep soul. They say it takes a “village”…I see what they meant. Not many people effect my psyche in blogland…you always have. Love & Blessings to you and yours xxx leelee

    • Momo


      This is one of the sweetest comments ever! Thank you, thank you! Love and blessings sent right back.

  • Liz


    Yes, this (and my favorite pair of distressed jeans)! I love this SO MUCH!

  • Julia Roberts


    I wish I were closer. I’d bring you Fireball and Mcdonalds at least. Sending love and hugs and all that…you’ve got this. Even when it feels like you don’t.

  • Colleen


    I love this. So well said! <3

  • Drew


    High five!!!