Sister.  I address some of my closest friends as “Sister”.  They are all women of course but none of them are actually my biological sisters.  In fact, I only have one sibling and he’s a boy.  A man.  A man-boy.  Actually, he will forever be frozen in time as my 12-year-old, aviator transition glasses-wearing younger brother with a “bowl” haircut – one that I gave him – using an actual bowl as a guide.

Anyway, my use of the term “Sister” is perplexing to certain people.  And to some, like my children, it is extremely amusing causing them to laugh their heads off.  I am normally a constant source of amusement to them for almost everything I do so this isn’t really unusual.  But in this instance, their amusement sparked something in me.  A need to explain why I use this term with these women.

I guess an easy answer would be that the idea of a “sisterhood” is fairly common in today’s media.  Thelma and Louise,  Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, Sex in the City, Mama Mia, Bad Moms, and even Charlies Angels hinted at the idea that women supporting women can be the strongest bond some of us will ever have. Many people, mostly men (sorry), just do not get this.  For them, support comes from their job, their sport, their bank account, and their fist-bumping shenanigans.  Even the fist-bumping is more of a joke and an expression of he-manism. Not necessarily support as we Sisters have and give to each other.

This support was never more evident to me than during a recent event that I and my daughter were honored to attend.  The event was an awards dinner at which one of my best Sisters was to receive an award for her business, which was voted the best in our area.  It was a very special night.  Here is my story of this night and its example of sisterhood.

We began together in a limousine.  About 9 of us.  All women who are in one way or another part of this business, either as regular clients, instructors or employees. We were invited to celebrate this amazing feat by attending the awards gala.  We traveled to it in a limousine so we could all be together . . . .

As I sit and scan the car, this is what I see.

Within the walls of this limousine exists a group of women, each with their own story as to why they are there.  Each with vastly different backgrounds.  Each with a character of their very own.  Each with very different lives.  Nonetheless, each of us is like the other in a way that is almost beyond explanation.  It is as if we each have a single thread woven into our individual tapestries that connects us to each other – thread by thread.

As I look around to each of us and listen to our words, I see a center to which each of us is bound, solidly meshing into the roof of the car.  From that center, a strand of something luminous, something sparkly leads to each of us.  For me, this strand represents the love, respect, strength, and support that connects us at our core – in our soul.  I know that at any moment and in any circumstance if I was in need each of these women would come to stand by my side and I would absolutely do the same.

When I say “need” I don’t mean need as in “please I need a cup of coffee”.  I mean the kind of need that only someone who has experienced life’s drama, pain, and uncertainty can understand.  Make no mistake.  We ALL experience these things in life.  It’s just that many of us choose to pass through without much thought or reflection. These women, though, have chosen the more agonizing road of reflection and consequential self-awareness.  These are women who have stood at a crossroad, sometimes for years, and have ultimately had to choose a path, one way or another. Sometimes an easy choice and sometimes an impossible one.  I know this instinctively and without doubt.

This strand that connects us is magical. Sounds a bit corny I know, but it really is.  It is magical in that it happened fortuitously.  It wasn’t created with intention but has risen naturally.  Serendipitously.  And at just the right time.  You can’t tell me that this isn’t magic.

For me, it is a rare circumstance.  This is not to say that I don’t have my very best forever friends.  I am lucky to have a couple of these. Women who came into my life at the right time and who will live forever with me. But this is something different.  It is as if we unknowingly stumbled, especially me since “grace” is not in my vocabulary, into a tribe of Sisters in the most unlikely of ways.  We are all so very different and yet here we sit, together in this limousine, connected to each other.  I am certain that we all know that each of us will have the other’s back no matter what and at a moments notice.

It is really quite remarkable and I leave the limo feeling in awe of them and so lucky to be a part of this Sisterhood. And safe. Maybe this is the best part.  I rarely feel safe and protected in this way.  It is truly a gift.

So to my children, I say giggle away.  But know that my wish for each of you is that you too will find this kind of tribe.  The feeling is unimaginable and empowering.  It ignites strength, power, and breath when you are most in need.  It will save you in immeasurable ways.  Trust me on this.

To my Sisters I say, I am honored and grateful for your presence in my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for lifting me up – for anchoring me – for reminding me to breathe . . . .