Friendship. That word evokes many emotions and memories, from childhood friendships that were open and easy, to teenage friendships that were fraught with drama, to adult friendships that seemed more like acquaintances in their shallowness. Looking back, I can see that this progression was normal, but definitely not satisfying. In my twenties and thirties, despite having a wonderful family, I mourned the lack of a female confidante, someone who would accept me totally and with whom I could share my silliness and innermost thoughts with ease.
My prayers were answered when my family and I moved to Columbia in 1989 and became members of a local congregation. My husband and I discovered several couples there with whom we connected, and we began socializing regularly with them. Crazy parties, potlucks, and shared vacations ensued, and to my surprise, the close friendships that I had so yearned for became reality. We women would walk around the lake, talking about our husbands and children, laughing and crying, commiserating and celebrating with each other. When, as a result of work and other commitments, we found that we were not seeing each other as regularly, we instituted a weekly tea, which continues to this day. The more time we spent together, the closer we became. For more than 20 years, we have maintained our friendship, celebrating the marriages of our children and the births of grandchildren. We have supported each other through the loss of parents and the sudden deaths of close friends. We have woven our lives together with durable thread.
The close friendships I have with these wonderful, unique women have sustained me, encouraged me, and freed me. Thank you, dear friends, for enriching my life in so many ways.
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