Recently, I moved back to the city where I spent my childhood, grew up, and developed into who I am today. I've discovered that in our formative years, we become a sum of all the influences in our lives, including our friends. For me, I learned the value of friendships, particularly girlfriends. I grew up only having brothers, and so my girlfriends filled the void of sisterhood.
My circle of gal pals from high school and I have stayed in touch over the past thirty-three years and saw each other once a year when I came back for a visit. Recently, after I got settled into my new home, I invited them over for dinner. We reminisced about times gone by, marriages, children, aging parents, our personal triumphs and struggles, and where we are today. As I quietly observed my friends, I noticed all the similarities we shared physically: We all have the few extra pounds around our waists and rear ends that all women our age complain about, we all color our hair, and we all spend vast amounts of money to look good. In fact, the 50's among my group are looking pretty darn good.
The next time we got together, it was a perfect summer evening, and we decided to take in the sights and sounds of the city while driving in my friend's convertible. It felt as if we were seventeen again, out cruising for a good time. This was really bliss, living now for the moment and not caring if our hair was messed and our makeup less than perfect and not looking for where the boys were hangin' out. We were just having fun in our own skin, laughing, and doing what girlfriends do - talking, sharing, and laughing.
I've really come to cherish these women and all of the joy they bring to my life.