All of us were grappling with life issues –work, environments, relationships of one sort or another. Each of us had reached a crossroad in which we would choose new directions, discover fresh options and once again reinvent ourselves. Our spontaneity, originality and willingness to explore possibilities were anchored securely by our individual strengths, insights, values and commitment to our families and local community.
And so, seven years ago, we came together –a circle of four women intent on supporting one another as we made our passage to the future as yet unknown, open-ended and uncertain. Since we did not all know each other, the first order of the day was to see how we fit together and to find the cadence of our personalities. From the first moment, we found camaraderie, mutuality, respect, and a keen sense of discretion. Over the years we have bonded deeply though we remain fascinatingly diverse.
This past week we met in CiCi’s Garden to celebrate our anniversary. The summer evening was alive with the songs of wind chimes mingling with the gentle splash of fountain spill. Our meal was simple and nourishing, colorful and tasty. Stories were shared, updates delivered, musings made, and our laughter was quick and often. CiCi lingered then turned onto her back with paws folded on her chest in an unconscious gesture of security. It was magical, comforting and memorable.
Time has brought to us new jobs, new careers, economic relief and financial uncertainty, continuing health and debilitating illness. Through it all we never forget to celebrate, to honor each other as we grow and change, to offer each other solidarity, compassion and playful affection.
We sometimes exchange small gifts spontaneously, usually four of the same thing. One of our keepsakes is a puzzle piece keychain, each distinguished by a word describing a key quality possessed by the holder.
Unique, Original, Courageous, Powerful
As we set the pieces into an interdependent whole we remember that the four of us fit very nicely together –even as these qualities help us continue to fit into our individual life circumstances.
