WEFriends

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

Oprah Winfrey

Song: If You Want Love by NF

Article: ‘America’s Favorite Pie’ by Seth Godin

Thought: The universe has manifested for me in amazing ways but no more so than with my Water Environment Federation friends (WEFriends). After our annual “summer camp” called WEFTEC, I get the opportunity to reflect on these relationships and their impact. Most people have professional organizations that only provide learning and leadership but mine provides lifelong friendships too.

The timing of WEFTEC often falls around my birthday and so I get to spend it with 20,000 of my friends each year. I couldn’t ask for a better gift than time with my favorite people. I know thousands of people involved in WEF thanks to the opportunities I’ve had to serve. Each year, I meet more while rekindling the existing friendships. Thanks to social media and texting we are able to keep in touch and be a part of each other’s lives: joys, suffering, loss, grief, celebration, laughter.

WEF isn’t just an organization for me – its a major part of my social network. I cherish these relationships even as they change – drifting and closer. I wouldn’t be the person I am without these friendships. We challenge and comfort. We celebrate and grieve. We check in on our emotional, mental and physical healths. These friends are my tribe I can always count on. We share a common purpose in creating lives free of water challenges for all.

One special person to me is Aimee Killeen. She is my mentor. She comforts me when I’m sad. She builds me up when I need strength. She gives unconditionally and thoughtfully. Everyone needs an “Aimee” in their lives. I love you so much Aimee. Thank you for always being there for me and making me feel special on my birthdays. It’s okay to feel but we don’t do feelings 🙂