
I spent the weekend with three women recently in Minneapolis.
Leslie: She invited me. And the coolest part, Leslie and I had never before met in person. We both attended Howard University and both pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority there. That was enough for her. We also share a love of food. Foodles for sure. Through social media, we became really close. I look for her there and boy does she reset the bar in the areas of kindness, knowing just what to say when it needs saying, and being the most giving, unselfish sister on the planet. Leslie is like a big sister to me. She is someone I will thrive to keep in my orbit. Leslie is the complete package of awesomeness.
Barb: We met through my son, Michael. One day he comes into the house and says mom I made friends with a lady adult. Our dogs Mo and Charlie became best buddies and then through these intersections, I met Barb. Barb is the most loving, strong, take charge, never-sugar-coating sister in the universe. Barb once told me, "Always ask yourself why you are doing something. If you are only doing it for you, be careful you are not hurting anyone." I like that advice. I like Barb too.
Rhonda: We have known one another since we were teenagers at Howard University. We too pledged the same sorority. Rhonda and I have been in and out of touch most of our lives. She did my makeup in my wedding way back in 1992. I like that we fully get each other. Rhonda can tell me anything and vice-versa. Rhonda is stunning, smart, organized and amazingly in touch with her healthy side. What I most admire about her is her willingness to lean in and invest in growing things, like sisterhood and friendship. I have a big piece of Rhonda in me.
These three ladies came together to host a book signing for me in Minneapolis. They not only created the signing event, they organized an entire weekend around me. We spent a lot of time together. We had dinners, champagne brunches, girlfriend chat sessions, truth-telling lean-ins. I love these women and I know for sure sure they love me. Sister love I call it.