By Christine Price
Columnist
Amidst all the stress, anxiety, craziness and bad news, my goal is to spotlight and share the good news in our community.
It was one of those weeks filled with women, friendship, laughter, support and stories – the kind of week that reminds you just how important women are in each other’s lives.
It started Wednesday evening at a mentoring gathering for Western Reserve Junior Service League.
New members of the league have each been paired with a mentor – someone to answer questions, guide them through their first year, and most importantly, make sure they always have a familiar face in the room and someone to sit beside.
Over pizza and salad, we participated in little exercises and conversations that helped us learn more about one another.
New friendships were forming right in front of us. There was lots of laughter and encouragement as women shared experiences, advice, and stories about life, volunteering and balancing it all.
The following evening, several girlfriends gathered at a friend’s home for dinner.
She prepared the most amazing paella I have ever tasted – admittedly, I haven’t had much experience with paella – but it was delicious.
We spent hours talking, laughing, reminiscing about “back in the day” and catching up on each other’s lives.
There is something comforting about long-term friends who can pick up a conversation exactly where it left off, even after months apart.
Friday brought a doubleheader.
Earlier in the day, I attended a Mother’s Day tea benefiting Forbes House, a domestic violence shelter that helps survivors throughout northeast Ohio heal from the trauma of abuse and rebuild their lives.
The room was filled with women in spring dresses, soft colors and beautiful hats. Tea was poured, tiny sandwiches were served and heartfelt stories were shared.
At our table, women listened quietly as stories were told of survivors and their journeys filled with courage, healing and hope.
It was a reminder of the incredible strength women possess and how important it is that we continue supporting one another through life’s most difficult moments.
That evening, Birthright hosted an open house for the community.
As both a volunteer and board member, I loved giving tours and sharing all the services Birthright offers to local moms and families.
Watching our volunteers welcome guests so warmly made me incredibly proud. These women give their time, energy, compassion and hearts to help others every single day.
Saturday brought yet another gathering – this time a Cinco de Mayo party for friends from Western Reserve Junior Service League.
The decorations were bright and festive, the tacos and margaritas were flowing and the conversations were even better.
Many of these women have worked side by side for years organizing fundraisers and community projects.
Somewhere along the way, teammates became close friends.
Throughout the afternoon, stories were shared about children graduating, sports victories, travel adventures, volunteering, caregiving and simply navigating life.
One friend spoke honestly about her journey caring for her husband. Another shared exciting family news. Some conversations were funny, some heartfelt, but all of them were genuine.
And then came Saturday evening.
After the luncheon, several of us met another group of friends for dinner at an Italian restaurant.
One of our dearest friends was visiting from Florida, so naturally the stories, laughter and catching up were nonstop.
At one point, I glanced across the restaurant and noticed a table of younger women – probably in their 30s – doing the exact same thing we were doing.
They were laughing loudly, talking over one another, sharing stories and enjoying being together.
Then suddenly, near the end of the evening, their table broke into song.
“Country roads, take me home…”
Without hesitation, our table joined right in.
Soon two tables of women – at completely different stages of life – were singing together at the top of their lungs: “To the place I belong…”
It was one of those unexpectedly beautiful moments that catches you off guard. I felt tears in my eyes.
My friend Pam looked over at the younger women and laughed, “This is your future.”
Without missing a beat, one of the girls smiled and replied, “Well then, our future looks bright!”
And honestly, I think she was exactly right.
When you see good news, and you will, please let me know at cpriceconcord@aol.com. I would love to share it. Please include your name, phone number, city you live in and email.
