The ties that bind
A group of Oklahoma City area women have shared friendship for 50 years.
The proverb could describe 12 Oklahoma City area women who grew up together. These “Sistahs of Soul,” share childhood memories and celebrate their 50 plus years of friendship once a month with a colorful gathering.
Esther Goldsmith, 61, of Bethany, said most of the women met in grade school and have stayed connected informally through the decades.
They really have never been far apart as their bond brought them together to share the joy of marriages and births, and the sadness of illnesses and deaths.
In 2013 the women made their group official when they had a slumber party. They came up with a name and decided to meet once a month to celebrate birthdays.
The birthday girl invites the group to her church, selects a color combination carried out in clothing and accessories, and their favorite place to have lunch.
“We laugh loud, talk loud, play hard and eat often, but more than anything we have a lot of fun together,” Goldsmith said. “Each friend has experienced their measure of sadness, but our life challenges have fortified our bond of friendship.”
When the group of 10 members and two honorary members gather, their bright colors, energy and personalities create attention.
People often ask them if they are a singing group or a club. It surprises people that life hasn’t taken the women away from their home state of Oklahoma.
“Esther is my best friend,” Barbara Potts said. “We grew up in northeast Oklahoma City. Seven of our group were at Kennedy Junior High together. I’m one of seven children, and my parents made our home a gathering place.”
Robin Herd said she looks forward to the gathering of friends as if she is 16-years-old. She has even designed a T-shirt for the “Sistahs.” Goldsmith organizes an annual calendar.
And although they are having fun, their day together always starts with a prayer.
“If you can hang on to somebody for 55 years, that friend is family,” she said. “We know we are a unique group and we love each other. Women can get along.”
There are a few guidelines, a sort of unspoken code of conduct.
No sister is ever put out of the group, Goldsmith said. No new friends are added and respect is essential.
“We have five minutes to be mad, and may huff and puff for a while, but at the end of the day we stick together,” Herd said. “We drop everything if one of us needs something. We know we are a unique group.”