(formerly my 70+ group!)

At 80 the body is

more fragile, and

we have organ

recitals when we

gather, but we still

gather. The recent

deaths of siblings

and friends, a small

stroke, and a bout

of vertigo have

made some of us feel

more vulnerable, yet 

some are feeling

happier than they 

ever have, and 

we still gather.

This circle of women

has been through

rough patches and 

we are all weathering,

but we still gather.

We have learned 

to adapt to changes,

internal and external,

mostly with grace

and appreciation, 

(but not always!),

yet we still gather. 

Each of us is 

searching for a

path to acceptance,

beauty, and joy in

the years that remain,

and as we gather we

reveal and share

what really matters,

learn from each other,

laugh and cry,

and feel the pure 

joy that radiates 

from being a member

of a circle of women.

Until life’s end,

whether in person

or via zoom, whether

in nursing homes,

retirement communities,

or our own homes,

may we continue to gather.