20 years to Tampa

4:00 AM


"Good friends are like stars....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there"


Photo Apr 26, 3 19 50 PM-XLPhoto Apr 25, 7 01 28 PM-XL Photo Apr 25, 7 28 51 PM-XL Photo Apr 26, 9 10 05 PM-XL Photo Apr 26, 9 13 55 PM-XL Photo Apr 26, 9 51 05 PM-L Photo Apr 26, 11 25 18 PM-XLPhoto Apr 28, 5 45 25 PM-XL Photo Apr 27, 2 35 31 PM-XL Photo Apr 27, 9 28 01 AM-XL Photo Apr 27, 9 48 27 AM-XL Photo Apr 27, 10 09 19 AM-XL Photo Apr 28, 3 34 11 PM-XLPhoto Apr 26, 7 26 27 PM-XL Photo Apr 27, 9 58 44 AM-XLPhoto Apr 27, 11 00 57 AM-XL Photo Apr 28, 11 11 34 AM-XL

I met my friend Wanda freshman year of High School and we quickly became inseparable.  After freshman year I transferred to a different school and we did our best to stay in touch. As the years passed a little thing called life got in the way. We both moved, and completely lost touch. I thought about her often and always wondered how she was and if I would ever see her again. The last time we saw each other was about 20 years ago. Well, long story short, I ran into one of her sisters a couple of years ago on the subway, we exchanged numbers, I got in touch with Wanda, and thanks to the magic of social media AKA Facebook, we stayed connected.

This past November I lost my mom to illness and so I decided that life is just too short to sit around and watch it happen. Wanda and I spoke on the phone from time to time and kept in touch via Facebook but that just wasn't enough. Last month I went to visit her in the Sunshine State! Those who know me, know I have a fear of flying not to mention flying solo so this was kind of a big deal for me. Truth be told I still don't like flying but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

We stayed at the beautiful Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. We relaxed, soaked up the sun, and caught up on the last 20 years, not to mention ate lots of great food and sipped on some yummy cocktails. She was the same girl I remembered. Sweet, kind, funny,  beautiful inside and out. The best part is we picked up right where we left off, what could be better than that! It was truly a wonderful and relaxing weekend, just what we both needed. Saying goodbye was bitter sweet, part of me couldn't believe we had found each other after so many years had passed. As we said our goodbyes we promised not to let another 20 years go by.

A great big Thank you to my hubby for all his love & support, he was a big part of making this trip happen. I'd also like to Thank you for letting me share little bits of me with all of you. As always your comments are welcomed and appreciated.

Xoxo

Share This Story

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
mylifeinmascara

You Might Also Like

30 comments

  1. MariaMay 10, 2013 at 5:15 AM

    I think it's great that you were able to rekindle an old friendship and just pick up as if you never lost touch. That is rare and beautiful, hold on to it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MercedesMay 10, 2013 at 5:20 AM

    Wow, 20 years later! I love this story and good for you for getting on that plane! You're right life is too short! Xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. LucyMay 10, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    I'm so happy and proud that you did this it's so great to hear happy stories like this. It's nice when you have friends that you've lost contact with and you can just pick up right where you left off that's true friendship!!! Thanks for sharing xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnnelMay 10, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    Awww! Such a great way to reconnect sitting poolside with some cocktails lol! Glad you had a awesome time!

    ReplyDelete
  5. MarinaMay 10, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    A true friendship is always there even if 20 years go by ..... All of a sudden I have the urge to call my best friend that lives in Greece . You have inspired me and I'm so happy that you caught up with your friend ...... Life is really too short and we need enjoy it with our loved ones.....Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mylifeinmascaraJuly 1, 2013 at 6:23 PM

      Thanks for stopping by now go call your friend! Xo

      Delete
  6. StephaMay 10, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    This story made me smile! It's amazing, how catching up with friends no matter how long it's been, you can often pick up right where you left off. One of life's true treasures. You ladies look amazing! Kudos to you for flying solo too, that's huge! Thanks for sharing. xoxo!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. VitaMay 10, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    I'm glad you got to reconnect with an old friend. You are right, life is to short !! LIVE,LOVE,LAUGH !!! Hope you make it a yearly tradition!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. MarisolMay 10, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    Aida this bought tears to my eyes but a smile as well just to know there is always hope...I looked at the bigger picture of u not ever letting go of something so dear to you. Life is short...as long as u live it make it all worth it...it reminds me of my close friend Aida that moved out to Florida, we don't see eachother often but when we do it's as if we never left eachother's side...Love u sweety, thanks for sharing this inspiring story....muah..xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mylifeinmascaraJuly 1, 2013 at 6:14 PM

      Aww, thank you for stopping by. I do appreciate all the comments and sweet words. Love ya back, xoxo

      Delete
  9. TabithaMay 10, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Truly a beautiful story. And you continue to be an awesome inspiration to me whether it be fashion, food, and of course, friendship.

    ReplyDelete
  10. essentjewelsMay 10, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    How nice that you were able to meet up with her after 20 years, that is big step after so long!

    ReplyDelete
  11. fashionskyfallMay 11, 2013 at 1:46 AM

    Beautiful post :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wanda Lee CaraballoMay 11, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    You sure know how to make someone feel so special and loved. Thank you for coming down to see me, I will forever cherish our friendship, I thank God for having someone like you in my life again! Love you bunches♥♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mylifeinmascaraJuly 1, 2013 at 6:25 PM

      Hello my friend, the feeling is mutual! I'm so happy we got this opportunity and I will treasure it always. You may be miles always but you're always in my heart! Love ya, xoxo

      Delete
  13. lizMay 11, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    i hope the boys and I are just like this when we grow up!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. julissaMay 11, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    awe that's great..loved the story and all of your awesome pictures..xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Elizabeth estevesMay 11, 2013 at 5:34 PM

    It is beautiful you have rekindle your friendship. I understand having friendships that have last for many years , not seeing each other, living a distance but when we do reconnect it is like if we have spoken to each other everyday. This is when you know they are true friendships that are meant to last a lifetime. I agree life is to short to wait around. Thanks for sharing. Love you xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  16. SuzanMay 12, 2013 at 8:15 PM

    I'm seriously inspired right now...don't know what I'm inspired to do yet, but I'll know it when it happens and ill think of you...

    ReplyDelete
  17. KimblyMay 13, 2013 at 4:18 AM

    Looks like you two had an amazing time! Its great how social media can connect old friends. I'm sorry to hear about your Mom xox
    Love all your pics!

    www.style-me-yesterday.com

    Kim xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Elli AgarsMay 13, 2013 at 4:00 PM

    Amazing! The little things life does to give us a push - like seeing your friends sister again on the subway! We have to jump at any of the opportunities life throws us, great story, so very inspiring :) x x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mylifeinmascaraJuly 1, 2013 at 6:10 PM

      Thank you and yes we can't let life just pass us by!

      Delete
  19. Outfitofthedayblog.wordpress.comMay 13, 2013 at 4:49 PM

    I am so jealous on so many levels...looks like an amazing trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mylifeinmascaraJuly 1, 2013 at 6:11 PM

      It really was, I only wish I could have stayed a little longer! Thanks

      Delete
  20. BrendaMay 14, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    Love this story!!
    Friendship is such a special thing.
    oxox

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lucy SmithMay 16, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    Love the post and so happy you two could re-connect. Awesome pics too.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are welcomed & appreciated!