Friendship Gratitude

Friendship is a gift that I’m grateful for all year long.

I’ve been fortunate to have many incredible women walk with me on my journey. They provide support and laughter during the many stages of life. Whether they have been with me most of my life or entered more recently, each has brought something unique that has enriched who I am today.

Nancy has been my friend since our kids were little. She is one of the warmest and most supportive people I have had the privilege of knowing. Since 2001, we have lived on opposite coasts. Yet every time I pick up the phone, it’s like she is just around the corner. When Mike died, she was only a phone call away and always available for support. I would see Nancy when I returned to Syracuse to see my parents, which was always a treat.

It took some time to create a new tribe of friends when we moved to Arizona in 2001. I was pretty busy with my family as well as substitute teaching full-time. In 2002, I started my tutoring business, which took up any time I had left. 

I became friends with Cathy, whom I met through substitute teaching. Thanks to my subbing at her school, I requested that my son be in her 4^th-grade class. I had subbed for her enough times to know what a great teacher she was. She invited me to her spectacular Christmas parties that she would throw.   The depth of her friendship shone when Mike died, and she came over to help me with the details that are part of dealing with sudden death. Cathy had the reception for Mike’s memorial at her home and has made me a part of her family celebrations since.

I joined a group where I met with people dealing with life experiences similar to those that I was going through. I could share with these women in ways I couldn’t communicate with others. They understood my experiences because they had dealt with them, too. With their help and support, I built self-confidence and learned to have honest relationships. We also did fun things outside the group and laughed a lot.

I’ve also been fortunate to find friends in the creative arts. First, it was through music photography. I met young women photographers who would offer me guidance and friendship. This led me to volunteer at the Phoenix Film Festival. Here, I met staff and volunteers who helped me improve at event photography and supported my artistic growth as a photographer. I also met filmmakers who were also very generous with their time.

This Thanksgiving, I remember my tribe that has brightened my life.