Hey, Girlfriend! How’s Things?

When I came across a nondescript and slightly yellowed envelope in the bottom of a box, I couldn’t help a peek inside. There, more than two decades old, were photographs from a friend’s wedding. Not just any friend – one of my oldest and dearest friends – my cohort-in-crime when we were both 20-somethings and for years afterward.

Those few photographs brought back so many fond memories — our fashion faux-pas and career conundrums; our walks through Cambridge, Massachusetts and cappuccinos in a corner café as we dissected our dating dramas.

Oh so many shared confidences! In fact, we were so close (and mischievous) that we used to try to convince people that we were sisters. And with earnest expressions, occasionally we succeeded — to our delight — though we look absolutely nothing alike.

I also recall that this wonderful friend dropped everything and got on a plane to be with me — decades later — when I needed surgery and there was no one else who could possibly help me get through.

Since finding those photographs (and smiling repeatedly at the flood of memories), I haven’t stopped thinking about my “sis.”

When I received a Christmas card from her just a few days after unearthing the snapshots, I wondered if there were some kind of telepathy taking place between us as there once was — we’ve been out of touch for some time — and that got me thinking about the nature of friendships among women. For me, my girlfriends have always been nurturing and supportive and in many instances, more reliable than family.

This leads me to mention a post at High Heels in the Wilderness that I read last evening. It was a piece on female friendships (both decades-long and newer), including a poignant remembrance of a friend lost. I strongly recommend that you stop by and read this marvelous musing, which certainly reminds me that I need to reconnect with my dearest girlfriends while following up on new acquaintances that I have made in recent months.

New acquaintances?

You know. The kind that can blossom from serendipitous encounters (and a willingness to encourage and embrace them).

So, rejoice in your girlfriends. (Yes, your close guy friends, too.) Pick up the phone, drop a line via email, or hop on your favorite app to chat.

And on that note, I have to run. I have a few “hey, girlfriend!” missives to write… by hand. And a freckle-faced, redheaded sister to catch up with…

Any friendships you’re hoping to rekindle? Tales of old friends (or new) who dropped everything to see you through a tough time?

You May Also Enjoy

• The Serendipitous Encounter

• Girls Night Out

• Men and Women: Can We Be “Just Friends?”

• Get in Your Car or Pick Up the Phone. Do It Now.