This time of year is when we all think about friends and relatives. I spent yesterday in the presence of ten of the most amazing women a person could ever know. We are on the surface connected by having worked at difference hospitals  in and around San Diego County, and found our way to each other. We have joined together to form a warm friendships and strong support group.

Having worked in the female dominated world of nursing, I never thought that a large number of women could get together without the claws coming out and friction. Well we must be the creme de la creme because despite the difference in our ages, races, religions, and economic status’,  we are sisters in every way but blood.

Cheryl O. is our unofficial chaplain who prays at our gatherings with heart felt prayers. She is a tall, big, beautiful woman with grace and confidence. Next is our Anta P. who makes you feel good just walking in the room.There is a mother earth feeling about her. She is an animal lover and we all like to hear about the stories of her dogs.

We are from all parts of the country, from New York to Callifornia. Rita B. is my oldest friend of the group. I met her in 1976. Rita is a genteel Southern lady with whom I have shared many of life’s experiences. I watched her grow professionally and become a crackerjack Licensed Psychriatic Technician. If I need to talk about something she is one of my go to people.

Gale P. is our real mother earth person. She is one person you can always count on to help you out  if you have a problem. Cooking is somethimg that is her blood. She makes a mean Dessert Pizza. Chocolate, both white and dark, makes the crust then the whole thing is covered in marshmellows, peanuts, and other goodies of your choice. Even though she has gone through some health challenges, she never lets it get in her way in helping others.

All of these ladies are smart and capable people but Debbie S. is one of those people everyone  envies for her abilities to organize her work. She also is a person who never sees the worst in anyone. When I had my stroke she made sure to call me and keep my spirits up. We are QVC shopping buddies and often have the same outfits which brings a smile to our faces.

This is our core group except for Kate M. who was unable to come. Kate is our Midwest girl who’s calm exterior and strong faith is a becon to us all. We speak almost everyday and she is like a sister to me.

There are other ladies who we are just as close to but can’t come as frequently as we would like. But to them I say, “You to are near and dear to our hearts.” To Joan and Cynthia, “we miss you when you are not with us in person, but you are never far from our hearts!”

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 21st, 2008 at 2:41 pm and is filed under Looking Back, Musings, My Journey, seniors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.