I am so grateful for the sisterhood that I feel in relief society. It is such an amazing feeling to be a part of a great group of women who are striving to be like our Savior and are such wonderful examples of Christ-like love. They inspire me, make me happy and are so much fun to be around. Before I was released from my calling as relief society secretary, I got to help discuss and plan this night. However, I thought at the time I might be out of town house hunting. I am so glad I got to be here for this night. The topics really hit home. We talked about relationships - strengthening our marriages and friendships. Angie taught the friendship part of the class. (she had a busy week! Two birthday parties and teaching a class among other things.) At the beginning she talked about a scientific study on female friendships. In the study they found that men who were married lived longer. But they found something interesting. They found women who were married AND who had close friendships with other women lived longer. So basically, friendships play a much bigger role in women's lives even when it comes to physical well being. The 70+ year old women in the study who had close girlfriends were 20% more likely to live longer. She also talked about all the other benefits of strong friendships - emotional support, spiritual guidance, joy, social benefits, etc. At the end we watched a sweet
slideshow Angie put together with pictures of women in our ward to the song, "That's What Friends Are For". At the end, my sentimental side couldn't resist, I really wanted a picture of all the ladies there that night. So I bugged everyone to pose for these cute pictures and I was so grateful they humored me!
For this picture, Angie said, "Everyone blow Jen a kiss!" Everyone looks so cute and it was so sweet! I love this picture except it looks like I am posing like a monkey or something! I wasn't sure what to do with my hand apparently! I LOVE these ladies to death. I came home crying because once again, I feel so sad to leave these dear friends. And sweet Shannan made me cry when she admitted she has been trying not to show her emotions at my leaving because she didn't want to make it any harder for me. She is always thinking of others and concerned for everyone else. I am so grateful for the amazing friendship we have had over the years and was so touched to see how sad our leaving was making her. )o: I came home feeling kind of like the past few weeks have sort of been like a funeral, in a way. Only it's happier, obviously. It's just very humbling to recognize all those who have impacted your life and to live every moment with such heightened sentimentality. It fills me with gratitude, sorrow for the loss of living near friends and it is also exhausting all at the same time! But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Every moment has been precious. And every friend will be remembered. And the reunions we have, wherever they may be, will be sweet.
In the picture above - Bottom row: L-R Liberty, Me, Rebecca, Leslie, Jill, Kim, Julie, Jan, Angie, Back row: L-R Shannan, Randie, Karen, Miriam, Janae, Heather, Shalyce, Joanna M., Kathy, Joanna C., Linda and Lisa.
