When I moved to the U.S. from my home country of England, I left behind my entire family. For the first time in my 24 years, I was living away from my parents and out on my own with no idea what to expect. All I knew was that I loved the man I moved here to marry and I was excited for our future together and to build our own family.
It’s now been more than 13 years, and my husband and I have two amazing, loud, rambunctious, and incredibly cute kids who keep us on our toes. But I still miss my family — and even more so now I’ve experienced the first year of my entire life where I haven’t seen my mother once (thanks, COVID).
Luckily, I have found several good friends who have become my family here in Dayton.
My small group of friends initially connected on an online friend-making platform – kind of like a dating site but for friends. I felt a little weird making a profile but I figured I had nothing to lose. It’s hard enough making friends once you’re out of school, so I swallowed my pride and signed up.
That was 11 years ago, and I am so glad I took the leap. Over the years, my small friend group has made sure we meet up frequently (obviously COVID put a bit of a kink in that), and we now have a longstanding group message where we talk most days.
My friends have been there for me while I was getting used to living in a new country, when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter in 2014 and was completely freaked out, and through many wins and disappointments that life has thrown at me. They have helped out by watching my kids when I needed, meeting for dinner or a drink when I needed some girl talk, and lately, sending support (and memes) in our group chat.
I am so thankful to have these women in my life, and I know we will stay connected forever.
