Pathways

For a few short hours I felt totally free from life's worries. Even though we had lost track of each other, we had a common and shared experience that somehow blended into all of our lives. I found solace in knowing that they have each been on their life path, as I have been on mine.

So I spent Friday night with my home girls - about 10 awesome women who went through high school with me. We hadn't seen each other in over 30 years. Between the laughter and a few (and I mean, very few) quiet moments, we were able to share everything that needed to be shared...just about everything and anything you would never even dream of telling someone else - but it was somehow ok to tell here!

I consider myself to have a good network of support - but this was different. I was among those who knew me when...and back then, we were just starting on our life paths. We were full of hopes and dreams.

So each of us has been on their own path, I found. Some of those paths were shorter. Unfortunately, we lost a few along the way. Some of those paths led to faraway places while others never left the old neighborhoods. We've brought many children into this world. We've worked many jobs. We've had our share of love, triumphs and disappointments.

But no matter what path we've been on, we were back together for a few short hours, in solidarity, and in celebration of what we learned during those formative years and what we learned along the way. In this group of remarkable women, it was clear that what we wanted most was more. More time to keep going.

So, my home girls, this blog entry is for you. A tribute to your hopes and dreams. May our paths lead us there. And may our paths cross again soon.

And for others who are reading here, consider this: look up a few names of people who knew you back when...friends with whom you can celebrate life's journey. It will work wonders and hopefully, like me, you can kick back, relax, take a break from life's worries - and share the hopes and dreams that are still ahead.