The Hands of Girlfriends

I've written before about how I enjoy our weekly music group at an assisted living facility in our neighborhood.  Today while we were singing patriotic songs for Veterans' Day, I saw a sweet scene on the front row.  Two ladies were holding hands.  One was definitely stronger and more alert than the other, and she was sharing her strength with her neighbor.  Both were benefitting from the gesture.  

Afterward, I reflected on what I had noticed and thought about how women need each other.  Not to diminish our love for men, we adore them, but this kind of sister love is different.  I have marveled as I have read about childbirth in early America.  Just before the births, the midwife called in about six additional women to assist with the delivery.  These family members and neighbors would hold and support the new mother's shoulders, back, and limbs.  Their combined strength was the only pain relief available for the laboring mother.  It must have helped, as this technique of support and encouragement was practiced for more than a century.

There have been many times in my own life where I have sought and found help from the women I love.  My children have made the comment, "Mom, you surround yourself with strong women."  Well, there is a reason for that.  I love them and admire them, and I need them.  The bonds of sisterhood are precious to me.  I smile whenever I see a pair of girls walking down the street chatting and giggling together.  My heart warms when I see a pair of wrinkled hands offering support and comfort to another pair of wrinkled hands.  We figure this out as little girls, and we draw upon this knowledge throughout our lives.  Women need each other.  Life is richer when we girls have girlfriends.

PS.  I think there are four boys on my mailing list - my husband, our two sons, and my dad.  Just to set the record straight, I need you guys, too.  You make my life complete, but I probably won't call on you when I need help choosing my clothes or when I need to sit and cry for a spell.  Fortunately for you, I'll be in good hands for those times.