Sisters

I spent last weekend catching up with my sisters—about 50 of them.  We became sisters more than 40 years ago when we pledged our loyalty to Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Arkansas.

Back in the day we came from cities like Little Rock, Dallas and Houston and from small Arkansas towns such as Camden, Lewisville, Hughes, Newport, Eudora, Marvell and Pocahontas.  We are more scattered now.  We still live in Little Rock, Dallas, Houston and Eudora, but we also came from as far away as Alabama, Florida, Maryland, New York City and California for a reunion in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

After a few whispers of "who's that over there," we soon began to recognize those same sweet girls in faces that are all too quickly 45 years older.  And suddenly the room was filled with lively chatter reminiscent of dinner conversations at the Kappa house in the 1960's.  But now instead of classes, dates, pledge duties, lock outs and the prospects for initiation, we shared stories of marriages, children, grandchildren and careers.

We also reminisced about our college days and even tried singing a few Kappa songs.  And while we may not remember all of the secret stuff, some of us still know most of the words to "Oh, Pat, Says She."

The weekend ended with a presentation of plans for the construction of a new chapter house on the Arkansas campus.   We could scarcely believe that the beautiful white house on the hill is in need of replacement.  After all, it's practically brand new.  Well, it was when we moved into it in 1965 and lived for several weeks with no stalls to separate the potties and workmen standing on the ends of our beds to install light fixtures when we woke up in the morning.

Where did all the years go?

Thanks to all of those sisters who made the weekend possible.  We are lucky to have them and to know that they will get us together again before too many more years go by.  After all, it's important to stay connected with your sisters.

Loyally,