I was fortunate to spend a long weekend with my high school girlfriends recently. What a treat to reconnect in person with these women, some of whom have known me since I was a skinny blonde--in other words, kindergarten and first grade.
It was a relaxing time in a lovely little town. One of the girls lives there and had rented a house and suggested activities we might enjoy. We arrived at our home away from home, and the conversation began. Being together is the important thing, so our plans for the weekend remained flexible, always subject to being tossed aside if we felt the least bit stressed to be here or do that. Everybody has plenty of expectations or stress in day to day life without including it in vacation.
We met in Wisconsin, in the town where one of the girls lives now. The rest of us made the trek by car or plane from Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Pennsylvania. One of the girls had been in South Africa the week before, and most of us had trips planned soon after returning home. We said repeatedly how amazing and wonderful it was that everyone had been able to set the time aside to be together. This is only the second time that's happened since high school. We hope to have another gathering in 2016.
We took the photo above just before going our separate ways on Monday. It became a bit of a joke that several times over the weekend we were asked if we were sisters. We kept saying no, and explaining that instead we're longtime friends.
But on reflection now, I realize the people asking that question were right after all. We are sisters--sisters who chose each other. I'm so thankful to have these girls in my family! They certainly helped make me the person I am today.
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Magdalena Scott is a bestselling author of the Ladies of Legend series. You can find her at her website, blog, and on Facebook and Twitter.
How fun to carry those relationships years later. It makes us healthier all the way around.
ReplyDeleteMagdalena, what a wonderful post. I envy you keeping in touch with your high school friends. I'm going back to my old high school for Homecoming and Alumni weekend for the first time in 15-20 years in October. I can't believe I waited so long. Some of my classmates have died so it will be a bittersweet time.
ReplyDeleteSome girlfriends from college get together each year in Nashville but I've been hit-and-miss with that. After I finish this post, I'm going to email them and apologize. I told myself i was too busy with my book but I could have made the time. I'm sure one day I'll wish I did. I need to appreciate the folks in my life more. Today is a good day to get started. Thanks for reminding me.
My RWA chapter has a weekend retreat once a year and we love it so much, we spend all year talking about the next one. We don't plan much as it is a weekend to relax, schmooze and eat chocolate. My chapter is small, but very close-knit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing you've kept up with those friends all these years. Sounds like you all had a wonderful time together!
ReplyDeleteAileen, so true! Being with friends is good tonic. Angela, I'm glad you're inspired to reconnect with your college girlfriends. Denise, your RWA chapter retreat sounds lovely! Ginny, yes it is a blessing. One of the girls was "lost" for a few years, but thanks to facebook she's back among us.
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