Re-Zoom-ion......

We were supposed to be in Franklin, Tennessee this year....just outside Nashville. One of my friends booked a house for us and we all looked forward to our almost-annual reunion. Six friends from Ripon College now spread all over the country. Our gatherings started long after our 1968 graduation and well after we'd established marriages, motherhoods, careers. We "found" each other again when we all went back for our 25th college reunion. And someone said "We need to get together more often!" And so we did....almost every year since.

We've been to each other's homes, rented VRBO's to explore an area, catch up on our news, share photographs, stories, laughter and sometimes tears. I joke that the three or four days are my annual "therapy" sessions and I so look forward to our times together.

But, this year, the reunion was erased from my calendar. There would be no traveling to connect with my special long time friends. And so we decided to "gather" for a Zoom call. 10:30 yesterday morning and we all navigated the video system and "found" each other on the internet. We waved, we laughed, we talked, we shared good books to read and shows to watch on TV. We shared a little time "together" and will remember this unique 2020 reunion.

I'm glad we connected and I enjoyed the virtual visit. But I really hope, next year, we can re-start our in person togetherness. These women are special to me and I am thankful that our paths crossed as college freshmen....and have continued to cross in the years since.

A toast to you ladies....to long time friends who knew me when and know me now. This year, 2020, during a time of separation and distancing I miss you all......and I look forward to trying to gather as soon as we possibly can. Stay well!!