The First Friday Sisters

“Who would have thought that when we met at the swimming pool that day, we would still be friends after all these years?”

This comment was made by Christie at breakfast the morning after our 2010 First Friday in February annual gathering. I may not have all the words correctly quoted but the meaning is the same. We grew up together, literally. After high school we made it a point to get together at Christmas time. We were a small group from the class of 1979, 1980 and 1981. The effort it took trying to get all of us in one place on one day became too difficult. It was at this time that someone, I think it may have been Angie, made the suggestion that we pick the same day every year to meet. Everyone would know when we would get together and would be able to plan for that date. The date was chosen, and this is how the First Friday in February began. Every year we all know which day we are taking off from work. We will have a Friday lunch and usually spend the night somewhere. Our laughter, debates and sometimes tears will go on through the night.

We are a close group, but not perfect. We can be loud, obnoxious, and judgmental. We can pick sides and let our opinions be known.  We have seen each other through the awkward years and the dating years. We have gone to each others weddings and watched our babies grow up. There have been divorces,
prayer lines, funerals, and meals delivered when we fell ill. We have become in-laws and grandmas.  And yet we all know that if one of us is hurt or going through a difficult time, our group will be there for us without hesitation. We consider each other to be sisters.

Sometimes other friends will make a comment of disbelief that we are still connected to our childhood friendships. I can't explain the bond but it is pretty awesome to be part of this group.
When my tough time started I did not initially call anyone from the group, but later was not surprised to get visits, emails, and phone calls. It was comforting to know they were there for me. The 1st First Friday that we got together after my storm, I was loud...imagine that. We had had cocktails (again, imagine that) and it was the first time in months that I had laughed. I poked fun at myself and my situation in a way I would not have with anyone else. It felt so good to laugh instead of cry. My friends just let me get it all out of my system. Oh  they may have raised a few eyebrows and wondered if I had finally gone off of the deep edge, but that is what we do and it works for us.

As I said before, I am not sure where I am going with my posts about the First Friday Sisters but they are a part of what defines who I am. I may need to call on them to decide on the direction of these posts, because I know there are great stories to be told. For now, I will let this post be the introduction to my group.

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