Day 305
I am a sorority girl.
A zillion years ago … twenty some years back in the last century … I became an initiate, at the University of Illinois, into the Greek sorority of Alpha Chi Omega. Little did I know what friendships would blossom from my signing that pledge card. Somehow I just knew that that was the house for me. Luckily they liked me, too … because out of 21 houses that was the only one I chose. It just fit.
The other day I had the pleasure of sharing a few hours with one of my sorority sisters. She came down, we chatted, we laughed, we had a deep discussion, we ate, we caught up. It was wonderful. I honestly don’t know the last time I saw her … three years ago? It didn’t matter … all that time melted away and we picked up where we left off.
I’ve done that three other times with two of my other sorority sisters since moving back here. It’s been fabulous and I know – deep in my heart – that I am so fortunate to have those deep, lifelong friendships. Those bonds of sisterhood are strong and true.
Not everyone can say that. I know how lucky I am.
I also belong to another sisterhood … a larger sisterhood that comes from just being a woman … the Sisterhood of Women. I can be sitting in a waiting room and start a conversation with a woman next to me and an hour later leave and feel like I just spent time with an old friend. Women can do that. There is something that ties us … some commonality that makes it easy and natural to open up and chat – about anything – at any time. It’s wonderful.
There is also a connectedness that I have come to know as the Sisterhood of Business. Ninety-nine percent of my customers and contacts are women in the health care business. I think that is because we are nurturers and it’s just a natural thing for many of us. I work with women who help children and other women.
In any case … when I took over this business when Tim was sick I began to notice the support that was sent our way. After his passing I was amazed by the outpouring by all of those women who knew Tim (but not me) who were just wanting to help somehow – knowing I was trying to make my way – and each of them held my hand as the weeks and months went forward … sharing the information they had, making the transition and learning curve less overwhelming for me. Six years later I am still awed by that outpouring those first few months.
Today I received three emails from customers … one was about my blog (which I’m always so tickled to find out that someone is reading) and just a nice little sharing of info and chatting. The other two were business related but all were heartfelt and sweet in saying how much they enjoyed working with me, how cozy our communications were, how easy our notes. It was deliciously lovely.
I was a part of something great back in Colorado. For thirty some years I was in the Sisterhood of the ‘Hood … my buds from my old neighborhood and around. We are in constant contact and it’s great and sometimes it makes me forget that I’m 1000 miles away from them and home. We share that rare “call me at 3am if you need me” friendships. I always thought people might have ONE of those if lucky … I have tenfold that many.
And then I have the Sisterhood of the Soul. There are those people in life that come to you, somehow … by being a neighbor, by being a pen pal, by happenstance of sharing a classroom wall … but you know your souls connected and time and distance and age melt away because when you chat you are one. I’ve been lucky to have a few of those relationships as well.
Today I stopped in at my mom’s “girlfriends” luncheon. There were six of them … gabbing and laughing and sharing stories … all in their mid 80’s. They’ve known each other for almost 70 years. That is true sisterhood … love and sharing that lasts a lifetime.
So, to all of my sisters, near and far … and to those of you who are no longer here … thank you for being in my life. As we head into this holiday season I just didn’t want another day to go by without telling you that you have given me so much joy. I wish you the same … and then some.