Just as I was planning a nice little pity party because another birthday was nudging me closer to the abyss of senior citizenship, I got a letter from a precious lady who reminded me that growing old has a wonderful upside.
Being held hostage in an aging “earth suit” certainly isn’t my idea of a good time, but as this dear senior, Eleanor, reminded me, the years may grace us with the delightful consolation and priceless treasure of rock-solid friendships that stand through life’s most ferocious winds.
And with that, let me now present “The Hussies,” a self-named group of five friends who, according to Eleanor, have celebrated birthdays and Christmases together for more than 50 years.
Reading Eleanor’s delightful letter gave me some much-needed perspective on what often feels like an out-of-control slide down the backside of my 50s. After all, I was still in elementary school when “The Hussies” became friends at work and church. (My goodness, I hate to say it, but I do feel better just typing that out loud.)
Eleanor explained the unique talents and interests of each “Hussy”: Helen is an excellent seamstress and interior decorator; Carolyn is a whiz in the kitchen; Carol loves antiques and is known for the crafts she makes; and Jane is quite musical and has a beautiful singing voice.
“Since I have no talents to boast about, let’s just say I’m the glue that holds the group together,” Eleanor says. (Personally, I think she vastly underestimates the immense importance of the gift of “gluing” people together.)
“We have gone through births, graduations, weddings and deaths together, and all of these have made our faith stronger. We are all so very different, but the one thing we have in common is we all love our family, friends, but most of all, we love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
And there it is—the foundational bond that has kept “The Hussies” together—their shared faith in Christ.
I’m very blessed to know exactly what she’s talking about. While few of my closest friends share my superficial interests, we all have the same greatest life passion: knowing, serving and growing in Christ. Backgrounds, current circumstances and hobbies don’t really matter too much, as “The Hussies” have learned.
What matters is having friends you can call in the middle of night for prayer. Friends who are brave enough to take you by the spiritual hand and pull you back when you’re about to step off God’s good path. Friends who love you as you are but also see what you can become, and care enough to encourage you to get from here to there.
Eleanor says when “The Hussies” were younger, they would’ve been offended by the name they’ve chosen for their group.
“But now we even have our ‘Hussy’ rings we wear when we get together,” she says. “They are real plastic and I’m sure they would glow in the dark.”
“You see, for us, ‘Hussies’ stands for ‘Heaven Understands Sisters Serving Important Eternal Services.’”
Yes, Eleanor, I believe you’re right. Heaven does understand why “sisters” need to serve together. And laugh, cry, pray, walk and grow together.
Heaven not only understands, but applauds and smiles, I think, because the fellowship you describe is exactly what God intended for His children to enjoy.
That’s why I’ve been involved in church women’s ministries for more than 35 years. I’ve known the richness of life done together, the strength and joy that come from walking with others who are holding hands with Jesus Christ and are headed toward the same finish line.
So, thank you, Eleanor, for taking time to remind me that growing old isn’t half bad when you have some fun and faithful “hussies” to grow old with.