Sisterhood. It’s not always just about a blood relation. It’s a kinship in spirit, a connection of hearts.

Once a year our 1973 graduating class of girls get together for fun, food and fellowship at a luncheon. It’s evolved over the years from being held at a restaurant to a covered dish event which each of us contributing some kind of food dish. The location now is a cozy and warm clubhouse in the sub-division where one of us lives. It’s big enough for all that we do like eat, play games and draw names for door prizes.

Some of us have not missed a single year, while we always have “newbie” attendees each year. Moved from the first Saturday in December to the first Saturday in October because of so many holiday activities going on for everyone; there is no ideal date as life is busy for everyone so those who can attend do and those who don’t wish they could.

For a few hours on that Saturday once a year, we are transported back to high school when our hearts were lighter, our futures ahead of us; we carried a few less pounds and had less gray hair. We reminisce but also get up to date on where we are today — our children and grandchildren, our retirement, plans and trips we have taken recently. We share recipes, losses and future plans. We reminisce a lot.

As we talk and share, it is as if time has stood still. We are all sisters and the hand of friendship and conversations flow freely. We hug, sometimes shed a few tears, laugh, take photos and make plans for next year. We know that though we aren’t actively in each others lives each day, we will always rally when one is in distress because whether side by side or miles apart, we are sisters who are connected by the heart.

So on that Saturday once a year, our cares are forgotten, any stress disappears and we relax in the warmth of nonjudgmental sisterhood. For you see, the one thing that is stronger than any magic, is sisterhood.