Mom's Night Out

Tonight is MNO. My boys pointed out to me that I belonged to two different MNO groups. I told them that they were right, one is a Down syndrome mom's group and the other is for #2's cub scout den mom's. I thought that that would suffice them, when I was asked "witch one is your favorite?" That question threw me of guard because I hadn't really thought about it in that context. Are we allowed to have "favorites" when it comes to our social circles? As mom's we're not allowed to have favorite children right?



So, I had to think about my girlfriends, who are they? What group of woman do I identify with the most and why? How did I form my relationships with my girlfriends? I feel fortunate to have always been surrounded by friends. In elementary school I had my core group of friends, yet it was very easy for me to migrate to different groups and feel included. Today of that group, one girlfriend and I remain very close. The other members of that core group are still around and while we don't really keep in touch they will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I keep recalling an email chain letter I received about friends and how they come and go depending on where we are in our lives. I believe this to be very true. I also know that when it comes to my very close relationships, many of them are based on my children. My core group of gal pals I met because my oldest befriended their children. Then there are the woman I call my sisters in Down syndrome or sisters in special needs. With these woman, I share a profound connection. I don't need to explain things to them regarding my son or his diagnosis they just get because their journey is similar to mine. Then there's the group of friends I've made through cub scouts, church, neighborhood and sports. I sometimes feel like I don't put in a lot of effort into these relationships. My husband feels like I don't want to or feel the need. I don't believe that to be true, I believe that a lot of it is time in my life. I appreciate the time that I spend with these woman as they have great insights on faith, family, relationships and cooking. They make me laugh and are willing to be outraged with me when we experience challenges in our lives.

So, do I have a favorite group of friends? No, I don't. I'm so lucky to be affiliated with the amazing woman who make the time to spend an evening, afternoon or morning with me and who wish to do it over and over and over again.