A group of 13 women have been part of my life for years – some since the early ’90s. And though we are not related by blood or marriage, I consider them family. Some have come for a while and then moved on, but their memory stays with those of us that are still together. They have been replaced with other good friends.
We meet for breakfast every second Thursday in a large booth at a local restaurant that we consider “ours.” The staff now knows our preferences.
When we began in the early ’90s, we started out as a business networking group. Each of us came from a different professional background: An accountant, banker, investment broker, travel agent, lawyer, curator of Emily Carr House and speaker. Over the years, we have been joined by an executive director of a senior’s residence and a politician.
We have shared thoughts on growing businesses, raising kids, and multiple issues and ideas. We have sympathized with loss; we have cheered success.
After 25 years together, we are not working as hard as we did once upon a time. Now the ideas we share are the best places to ski, where to stay while travelling, stories and pictures about where we have been and what we’ve done.
Twice a year, we get together in the evening and share time with partners and quaff a few while nibbling favourite snacks.
I do have other special people in my life, but this group of women are my go-to when I need an answer, an ear or a shoulder because mine aren’t strong enough at that moment.
I sent a note out to members and asked what the group meant to them. L’s reply captured the sentiment of everyone in the group.
“I don’t have sisters,” says L. “This group gives me the kind of space in which I find I can talk about anything from travel to children to personal challenges. We console each other, trade recipes and travel tips. As I led a friend’s husband’s celebration of life, I saw the rest of our breakfast club assembled around the room. I’m new; I have only been part of the group for 15 years, but it has made a big difference in my life.”
As we move into this new decade, my New Year’s wish for you is that you have a family you can count on, lean on, learn from and share with – whether they’re in your life by chance – or by choice.
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Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Connect with her at mpatnichol@gmail.com.