I worry about friendship and lasting relationships for the next generations. The introvert in me was met with warmth and friendship before I sensed a real and dull ache of loneliness. I had church. I had my brother. I had family. 

I braced myself for my daughter’s adolescent longing for friendship. I took steps to make sure she is met where she is. Through church, through the school community. Through my community of friends and their kids. 

Even adopting a sister, I saw my eldest daughter bucket of friendship bd filled to the brim. She walks with confidence, reassured that she has her tribe. 

At the same time, I didn’t want to manipulate my daughters’ social life. There will be rejection, there will be loneliness. The difficult feelings are the seedling for greatness and rebirth. Humility embraced begets courage and insight. 

Still, my heart brims with joy as I see my daughter enjoy the friendship of a great young woman. Kids are kids. With ups and down. Moods and attitudes. But I sense greatness in this friendship. 

I’ve said often, and worried I may overreach, that Carmen is one of my best friends, because she is the type of best kind of friend. And I delight in her company, friendship, companionship in our journey of faith. She is loyal and she is kind. Observing her friendships overtime, Coco, Livia and so so many more, I feel I might get lost in the crowd. But I also know her heart that has clear boundaries and extraordinary space. 

So, her daughter clicked with my daughter. Sometimes months go by and we don’t see each other. But they pick up from where they left off without skipping a beat. Jackie loves iris. Wholeheartedly. And it is my joy to see her liked and loved and welcomed and embraced. It is music to my mother’s heart. 

I had this vision of the future. Each of them, young women, strong independent brave. And yet, sharing this special history together. Memories of unencumbered fun and love. May they reach for the starts. May they speak the truth with boldness. May they be Justice enablers, with a clear voice of faith. May they always laugh like this. Here’s to our preteen daughters. Two beauties. Covered in grace of Unexpected friendships.