We all started at the same place, as young moms with small children. We talked about babies, childcare options and preschools, which morphed into conversations about teenage angst, SAT’s and college. At this point we are all empty nesters, with some of our kids living locally, and others out of state. Five of our twenty-six children are married and one of us is a grandparent. Some of our husbands are starting to retire, which, while great in some ways, definitely creates new challenges in others.

We happily celebrated milestones and holidays these past 20 years, too many to count, but friendship is not just about the good times. During this time we also experienced three divorces, three battles with cancer, numerous caregiving challenges with parents, and seven deaths. We rallied around each other, providing love and support as best we could. When we didn’t know what to say, we brought food, an easy way to show how much we cared.

Back to the monthly poker game; when some of us can’t remember the rules – when we actually play – no one gets annoyed. Instead we pass out printed instructions and laugh about it. It’s important to all of us that everyone feels accepted, valued and included and we find creative ways to make that happen. And now that I think about it, it’s probably time to redo the instructions in a larger font for this group. 

A new appreciation for my female friends

As we shopped, ate, laughed and enjoyed our wine this weekend, I realized that now that I’m in my 50’s, I better understand just how much we need our female friends. The reason is two-fold: First, the shared history and memories create a strong bond, one that hopefully can withstand the messiness of life. Unfortunately, not all friendships can. Second, our 50+ age group faces hardships we couldn’t possibly imagine when  younger, and we may need more support moving forward than we did in the past. Staying connected in some way, whether through poker, mah jongg, walking or place of worship, helps us to remain physically, intellectually and emotionally healthy as we age.

Back home again, I scroll though the pictures on my phone from the weekend and unpack my memories. The trip was beyond perfect, I tell my husband. Spending this time with dear friends provided a tremendous boost that will remain in my heart for a long time. Treasure your friendships, especially those from long ago. At this point in our lives, we still have many more years ahead of us. Let’s help each other make this next phase as good as, if not better than, the last.