I have a multitude of loves in my life: my partner, my kids, my family, caffeine, my cozy pillow, and that peculiar satisfaction of peeling skin from a sunburn. But above all, there are my friends—the incredible women who buoy me up when I feel like I’m sinking in a sea of parenting chaos. They are the ones who encourage me when I hesitate to step out of my comfort zone and share a laugh over the absurdities that come with being a woman. They comfort me when I’m too hard on myself, reminding me, “I totally relate to that.”
My partner does offer support, but there’s something unique about the wisdom and empathy that comes from a cherished friend.
I have my daily crew. We meet in our tattered workout gear, bleary-eyed from sleepless nights and too much wine. We celebrate our kids’ milestones, vent about the occasional trials of living with men, and question everything from the future to our parenting skills. We challenge each other to run up that hill faster than we did yesterday—because that’s what friends do.
Then there are those special pals who drift in and out of my life. You know the type—the ones who make you laugh until your sides ache, but distance or timing keeps you apart more than you’d like. Each time we part, we promise, “Let’s not wait too long next time,” but life has a way of throwing curveballs, and before you know it, they’re off again.
I also have friends I’ve lost touch with. It stings to think about them; we exchange birthday greetings through texts adorned with smiley faces, heart emojis, and cake icons, yet it’s clear something essential is missing. I often ponder what went wrong, and it hurts to think of them.
Online, I have a fierce crew—bold, hilarious women who were brought together by fate. We’re making waves and genuinely care for one another.
And then there are my distant friends. They’re scattered across states, busy raising their own little ones, juggling jobs, and managing their coffee habits. Despite the miles, we share an invisible bond, weaving through the ups and downs of life together.
Our connection transcends time and distance. These women are the sisters of my heart. If everything around me crumbled, they’d be here in a heartbeat. They know my stories just as I know theirs. Every joy and sorrow they face resonates with me. We may miss each other now, but I have faith that one day, when our kids are grown and we can focus more on ourselves, we’ll reconnect.
I envision us as old ladies, giggling until we can’t hold it in, lamenting how quickly time flies yet maybe not stressing about it as much. We’ll sip wine, share gripes about our cranky husbands, and keep each other in check with any chin hair that dares to appear. We’ll indulge in too much food and pat our aging bellies. I can see us donning bikinis and leaping into a hot tub filled with college guys, regaling them with tales of our wild youth.
Yes, I believe we will find each other again one day. When our bodies have changed, our grandchildren are asking for treats, and our lives are rich with stories, it’ll feel like no time has passed at all.
Summary:
In this heartfelt reflection, Jamie Thompson celebrates the deep connections she has with her friends, who provide unwavering support through the trials of motherhood and life. From her daily crew to distant pals and even online companions, these women form a bond stronger than distance or time. As she imagines growing old with them, she cherishes the laughter, shared experiences, and the promise of reconnection in the future.