I flew back to Charlotte for two events.  One I affectionately call “Katie is Great,” because my friend Katie was named one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.”  The other is a benefit breakfast for KIPP Charlotte, where I’m a board member and volunteer.

Both events required attendance and support.  And fortunately for both Katie and me, we’re surrounded by an amazing group of friends.

There’s a core group of 10 of us, we jokingly call “The Commune.”  Hubby and I inherited this group of friends (it’s a long, convoluted story so just go with me on this one) three and a half years ago.  Since then, we’ve done dinners, NASCAR, holidays, Panther tailgates, Checkers, and Bobcats games.  We’ve organized charitable events, projects, and gatherings.  We’ve borrowed each others’ cars, laundry facilities, clothes, pools, and spouses (for events our spouse couldn’t attend!).  We’ve baby sat, dog sat, cat sat, and house sat.  We’ve celebrated birthdays and promotions and supported job losses and changes.  We‘ve traveled in a pack and have a standing agreement that when family or friends come to town it’s all ‘hands on deck.’  There are several friends who choose not to be part of the “Commune,” but still we count them as part of the group (I think they fear our insane email list!!!)

It’s amazing when we’re all together because we have so much fun, admiration, and love for each other.  If you’re ever fortunate enough to gather such a great group, who share common interests and affection, hold on tight, it’s a gift.