(Dedicated to the friends who continue to love me as I grow, evolve, and change. I love you.)

To the friends who hear me—

Who have listened to my stories filled with anger, unfolding family dramas.

And stood by me as my faith diminished 

smaller than a mustard seed—

Who open their hearts and share their own losses and griefs,

It is Reciprocity 

In one word—

Holy. 

To all of us on the rollercoaster that is children-rearing. 

Oh, God, it’s all so hard… 

But to receive those texts of milestones is everything— 

When babies are latching, sleeping through the night, potty training and saying their first words, 

Watching our kids transform from little to big,

Some now in the teen years of crushes, bullies, and breakups,

Alongside acne and braces.

Conversations about our marriages and their seasons of plenty and famine, 

In-laws who suck and in-laws who rock.

Work, in the home and in the office— 

We always have more to do.

Supporting each other through Big Life Things—

Races, book deals, graduations,

TV stardom, podcasts, performances—

Therapy, medication, sickness, surgeries,

Divorces, diagnoses, and death.

Damn. 

Showing up—

To plays, funerals, book events, showers—

Time together.

Birthday wishes, hugs, treats and flowers,

Huddled on couches telling stories teary-eyed,

And Marco Polo replies on long car rides.

Screaming “F*(/< the patriarchy!” into the night sky,

Burning in fire what we must say farewell to, like

Purity culture,

Blind obedience,

Appeasing others.

And sharing what we will hold on to, like

Our wholeness,

Chasing dreams,

Creating magic. 

The girls’ trips away–

Tarot card readings, 

Late-night sex talks and musings,

Hot tubs with champagne, 

Bunco, dinners, and pickleballing.

Solving the world’s problems,

I’m convinced that we could…

Delusional? Perhaps. 

But my friends are pretty convincing.

I brag about them–

The talents my friends have make me more talented by association.

Published writings, art shows, decorated cookies, and sewing masterpieces,

Using their resources for good, always

Sending money for causes and tragedies, organizing meal trains, raising awareness.

Hospitals and communities and businesses are better because of what my friends do.

I am the luckiest.

Are they doing the same things as me when we are not together? 

Making lunches and dinners and tying shoes…

Making love and grocery shopping? 

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

We are mothers and daughters, wives and coworkers, PTA members and drivers and some church-goers,

All are connected in this web of life,

To live, laugh, love (ha!!), and rage with.