By Samantha McKenzie

I don’t know about you, but my sister friends, play aunties and big mamas (a term used only in an affectionate way) make my world go ’round, and ’round, and ’round!

These are women from all walks of life who may not be related to you by blood, but hold a distinct place in your life. They have been the shoulders I’ve cried on and the bosoms upon which I have laid my weary thoughts. These are those soul sisters who show up on your behalf at a moment’s notice…without hesitation. They are the sister girls who don’t necessarily need all the facts, they just know they heard your moaning and they respond.

We all have girlfriends who have our back, no matter what. They are prone to tell you the truth at a moment’s notice and will stand in place to catch you as you fall – almost always in the same breath. These are the soldiers who wear that mystical armor – the one that makes you stronger from the inside out.

I love my sister friends. After leaving my hometown during my college years, I’ve met a great many of them I now call friend. They have shared the most amazing moments of laughter with me and we hold many memories of joy. They have been comforters, survivors, healers and way makers. I know for a fact that I couldn’t be where I am today without their support.

This includes those play aunties and big mamas who’ve adopted me along the way too. Like Mrs. Murphy from the cultural arts center and Ms. Daphne from the college I used to work for. They bottled up their wisdom, served it with a piece of pie and sent me down the road.

 

These are those women who have traveled the road (more than once or twice) and have a little more to teach you. They are the elders in the community who give you free advice and some of that ole time relogion. They see what you don’t see and ain’t afraid to share it. I love my play aunties and big mamas. Every city I have ever lived in has provided me with a handful of wise women who have gladly taken me under their wing. I have drank from their cup willingly. To this day, if I enter a room where seasoned women are gathered, one will find me and leave me with a word.

In their own way, each one of  these women have guided me, prevented me from falling, and pushed me further than I thought I could go.

I start this day, Friday, October 20, 2017, honoring their presence in my life and in the lives of my children.

How else can we thank you dear sisters? And the voice inside me whispered back, “Return the favor to those in need.”

Thank you sister friends, play aunties and big mamas. YOU make our world go ’round.