My friends and I make it out of the group chat. Spread over 69,658 square miles, we don’t see each other as much as we want or need to. When we go too long without sharing space, it’s time to convene. This go-round we descended on the great state of Texas.
Time with friends, especially mine, is inspiring and healing. With rope fraying and wits coming to their end, the rejuvenation is immediate. American Airlines tried to delay the reunion but my determination was greater than their fumble. After an extremely long morning, I was tired and afraid I wouldn’t be jovial enough. Turns out everyone else had the same two hours of sleep as me. One band, one sound. Everybody exhausted and mildly confused but happy to be together.
The smallest things signal that these are my people. We’re locked in. Their presence is one of my safest, happiest places. I could talk about my feelings professionally and creatively, how my needs have changed. It all needed to come out and I knew I was safe to share it.
Whether discussing work, relationships, future plans, parents, health, or how much sangria we need, support is abundant. There is no need for pretense or facades, we know and respect one another for who we are. We can and do talk about everything. Nothing shared will go beyond us and we won’t hang anything over the head of another. This is why I drove 101 miles between airports to keep myself on the earliest possible flight.
We also laugh, a lot. Significant abdominal activation happens every day. One is a natural comedian, another went to the Ms. Tina school of jokes, one more makes every truth hilarious, and I am funny by accident and action. They never belittle me which has taught me to laugh at myself. Mean-spiritedness does not exist in our group, our friendship is one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced.
Together we love, talk, laugh, grieve, eat, explore, and grow. If doubt or uncertainty creeps into the minds of any of us, the others are there to counter it. To remind us of who we are, what we are capable of, and that we deserve everything. Spending time with my friends renews me. They remind me of what is possible. I am encouraged to go after the life I want and need. I don’t want to much and I’m on the right path.
We would make a fantastic study for paintings. Whether lounging around waiting for the rain to cease so our pool day can begin or squabbling over cake at brunch. I never hesitate to share space with them and impatiently wait for the next time. These are the loves of my life and their love and support means everything to me.
When the Girls Get Together
