Chosen Sisters

For my mother's 80th birthday, I joined a group of her friends for lunch. I mostly just sat back and took it in.

• Helen talked about the release of her new children's book.

• Janet talked about her husband's progressing dementia and ways she hoped to stay active.

• They all talked about racism. 

These friends spoke frankly of the myriad of ways they struggled and were fulfilled. 

They held each other up and inspired one another.

It's so important - at any age - to surround ourselves with supportive and uplifting people. It doesn't just happen. Each of these women relocated in recent years and put herself out there to not only meet, but be vulnerable with, other women. Their lives are richer for it.