It’s interesting how things get going - begin - start - sometimes because it’s been a well thought out plan and other times - well - it’s on a whim.

The Breakfast Club began in August. It really began in May when the girls and I made my Bingo Card for the summer — things that I could do while recovering from the LRTI surgeries. I would invite some of my friends and acquaintances over for breakfast - pot luck.

There’s just something about getting together with other women, isn’t there? You sit down with a cup of coffee - a plate of delicious food - and before you know it - everyone is laughing - sharing stories - and maybe - probably - shedding a few tears. And long after the meal has ended - the dishes are in the dishwasher - the friends have gone home - everyone feels lighter, stronger, and more encouraged.

That’s the beauty of women gathering—we remind each other we’re not alone. We are in “this” together - whatever the “this” is.

I often think of Mary - the mother of Jesus. Mary was just a teenager when she found out she was going to have a baby - betrothed to Joseph - an engagement - not a marriage yet. She was overwhelmed when the angel of the Lord told her the news. Overwhelmed but obedient. After the initial shock - Mary desired to go to be with her older cousin -Elizabeth - who was also pregnant with her first child - and Elizabeth was an older woman. Mary needed Elizabeth and Elizabeth needed Mary. There was no jealousy between the two women - zero pride or envy - they offered each other humility and joy. Elizabeth was a mentor to young Mary - validating Mary’s divine calling. Mary was a willing listener and learner to her older friend. Their relationship has always encouraged me - to be in relationship with other women (some younger and some older). Our lives are not meant to live solo.

But here’s the thing: life gets busy. Between work, family, and responsibilities, it’s easy to let real connection slip through the cracks. God never meant for us to go through life by ourselves. He wired us for community and fellowship.

When Randy and I moved to Alliston in 2010 - it was the first time we were going to a new community - a new church - a new neighbourhood - without our kids. It was just the two of us - rather - the three of us (we had Maggie - our golden retriever). So how do you begin to get to know people in your neighbourhood? Well - we intentionally began to walk Maggie at 8:15 am every morning - the exact time that the kids gathered - with their parents - at the corner to get on their school busses. At the bus stop we began to get to know the people in our neighbourhood.

I have such great Bus Stop memories…….Randy and the kids playing any games involving a tennis ball……Randy explaining to the kids how to throw a football……Randy asking the kids what mischief the elf on the shelf got into the night before……Randy asking the kids what was in their lunch that day…….Randy getting a little tongue unstuck from the stop sign pole……wiping noses and tears…..sharing laughter and fun……talking about Leaf wins and lamenting over their losses! Relationships were formed that first year and although they look different now that I’ve been gone from the neighbourhood for ten years - I’m still in touch with most of those neighbours.

Another thing I did that first year was to be intentional about pursuing a relationship with my friend - Blaire! Blaire worked full-time in her business at the time - so her time was limited but we met regularly - for lunch - to share our lives - our hearts - our tears and laughter. Later - it was Blaire who rushed to the hospital to be with me when Randy had his heart attack. It was Blaire who cared for me - long after the funeral - long after “life” returned to “normal” for everyone else - whatever that was. It was Blaire who wiped my tears that first year as a widow - it was Blaire who drove me home from the women’s retreat when after a few hours I realized I couldn’t stay - it was Blaire who prayed I would meet someone new to share life with - it was Blaire, who I first shared news that I had met “someone” - it was Blaire who stood beside me when I married Harv. And I have been there for her too! We’ve shared the joys of grandchildren - we’ve shed tears over diagnosis and treatments. We are there for each other - because we need each other.

When women gather, we sharpen each other and remind one another of the purpose God has placed inside us.

Sometimes life is heavy, and we just need a friend who gets it. A kind word, a hug, or even just a good laugh around the table can change everything.

When women take the time to connect, it doesn’t just bless us—it blesses everyone around us. Our families grow stronger, our churches are healthier, and our communities thrive. And maybe most importantly, when we gather, we pass on a legacy of faith, and hope to the next generation of women who are watching us. Two of my youngest grand daughters were here when I hosted the first Breakfast Club. They loved it. They wanted to miss school last Friday when we met for our second breakfast.

**Me and Julie in Toronto this past August to attend the theatre. Julie is always up for my hare brained ideas - always ready for a walk and talk. Friendship is a gift I don’t take lightly.**

I’ve seen it again and again: when women come together, something shifts - we leave refreshed, strengthened in our faith, and ready to live life with joy.

About the Breakfast Club? We decided to meet once a month! Hurray for us! Sharing food. Sharing life. Sharing hopes. Sharing desires. Sharing encouragement! And - the food is delicious.