This weekend, I'm heading to the beach to celebrate my 50th birthday (which was last week, but this weekend worked best). My cousin, who planned every detail, is like a sister to me. We're 11 months apart, both only children, and our fathers are brothers, making us as close as siblings can be. Joining us are two of our lifelong childhood friends for a memorable celebration. I truly can't wait.
This afternoon, my daughter and future DIL are meeting my besties because they are throwing me a 50th bday bash at the beach this weekend.
— Just Mindy 🐊 (@just_mindy) August 22, 2025
Tara- our dads met when they were 10
years old and her dad drove 8 hours from GA to tell my dad goodbye when he caught the call my Dad…
Erin- the planner of the weekend. Our dads are brothers. We are 11 months apart but both only children so we are the closest things to siblings for each other. Probably my actual soul mate if there is such a thing.
— Just Mindy 🐊 (@just_mindy) August 22, 2025
Nicole- we met when we were 5 years old. Her Dad came to our church as our new youth pastor and our parents became fast friends. They ended up as missionaries in the Philippines, and then Nicole and I went to college together and were roommates. Nicole’s parents now live a mile…
— Just Mindy 🐊 (@just_mindy) August 22, 2025
So, yes, I’m rich. Honestly, a billionaire if you ask me.
— Just Mindy 🐊 (@just_mindy) August 22, 2025
This was our last pic together at my Dad’s funeral. So glad to be with them this time for happier circumstances. pic.twitter.com/J80gvbHITT
I'm feeling incredibly emotional about this weekend. Friendship and family are such precious gifts. These women—my cousin and two lifelong friends—have stood by me through the loss of a parent, divorce, and all the curveballs life throws. They say you're lucky to have one or two true friends you can count on for life, and I’m beyond grateful to have three. What’s special about our group is that their parents were friends with mine first (except my cousin, of course—our dads were brothers, so they were bound to love each other). My dad didn’t leave me wealth, but he gave me something far richer: these friendships. He wasn’t great with money, but he was a master at nurturing relationships. He called his friends regularly, planned dinners, welcomed them into our home with warmth, and even took road trips to see them. He showed up for their big moments, no matter the inconvenience. My dad truly lived the saying, “To have a friend, you must be a friend.” I’ll admit, I’m not as good at that. I shy away from phone calls and love being a homebody. But I want to do better—to follow his example and cherish these bonds the way he did.
the greatest regret i have is underestimating the value of long term compounding.
— Will Manidis (@WillManidis) August 20, 2025
capital, friendships, projects, places, all get better with decades. its impossible to understand until you see it. it is entirely what life is about. a few very good things for a long time
A few truly good things that last a lifetime—that sums it up. These friends, alongside my children, are my precious few. Life is beautiful.
