Picture walking into a home where the air is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of laughter bubbling over shared stories. This is no ordinary gathering. It’s a sacred space—a room full of women who have stood side by side for nearly three decades, weaving a story of friendship, love, and resilience.

Their journey began in the late 1990s, back when life was a whirlwind of raising toddlers, packing lunches, and navigating the chaotic joy of early motherhood. Those early connections were born in neighborhood playgroups and preschool parking lots, where hurried waves and quick chats grew into something much deeper. Shelby Willborn remembers moving into the neighborhood in 1998 and meeting other moms during playdates and preschool events. For Laurie Schmidt, one of the first connections came through a Bridlewood poker run where neighbors mingled and friendships sparked. Over time, casual acquaintances turned into unshakable friendships, as these women began building their lives alongside one another.

One of the things that sets this group apart is their devotion to creating traditions that bring them together again and again. The Birthday Club, formed in the early 2000s, was one of the first traditions they embraced. With 20 close friends participating, these gatherings weren’t just about marking another year but celebrating each other’s lives in deeply meaningful ways. Laurie recalls how they would draw names every December to plan the upcoming year’s celebrations, ensuring each gathering felt fresh and fun. From piñatas to wine bottle crafts, these parties were brimming with creativity and joy.

Dinner Club soon became a beloved addition, giving the husbands a chance to join the festivities. Dottie Durham, who met many of the group through her son’s baseball team, fondly remembers themed dinners that often led to hours of storytelling and laughter. As their children grew older and more independent, the group embraced girls’ trips, pickleball games, and holiday parties that became legendary within their circle.

Wendy Krepp mentions how the “Dink & Drink” pickleball group brought out a competitive but playful spirit among the friends, creating even more opportunities to bond. “We always make sure we’re seeing each other,” Wendy shares. These traditions were more than just fun—they were the glue that kept their friendships strong through the years.

Friendship isn’t just about the laughter and celebrations—it’s about showing up when it matters most. This group has done just that, weathering life’s storms together. Jill Goen reflects on how they’ve stood by each other through health scares and the loss of loved ones. When someone faced a challenge, the others rallied with meals, childcare, and unwavering support. These acts of kindness became the foundation of a sisterhood built on trust and compassion.

Beyond the hard times, they’ve celebrated countless milestones together. From planning prom parties to attending their children’s weddings, the group has been there for it all. They’ve even extended their love to the next generation, sending care packages to college kids and hosting family barbecues. As Kim Zwerver puts it, “Great lifelong friends become like family over time. You can’t imagine doing life without them.”

Bridlewood isn’t just where they live; it’s the heart of their story. These women moved into the neighborhood as it was being developed, discovering its amenities and forming their first connections. The streets where their children rode bikes and played games are now paths that lead them back to one another’s homes. The Bridlewood Clubhouse, where they now play pickleball or share a drink, has become a place that feels as much a part of their family as their living rooms.

The neighborhood’s sense of community was the spark that brought them together. Jill recalls how playgroups and shared activities at Bridlewood Elementary forged bonds that have only grown stronger over the years. Dottie emphasizes how this sense of connection can still be found today: “If your kids are in sports or activities, get to know the parents. They might just become lifelong friends.”

As February’s theme of “Heart & Home” reminds us, relationships are what make a house a home. For this group of women, their friendship is the foundation of their lives. It’s a reminder that true connection takes effort—but it’s worth it. The moments they’ve shared, from the smallest gestures to the grandest celebrations, have become the memories that define their story.

So, who in your life brings you that sense of home? Who do you need to reach out to this week? The women of this story inspire us all to take a leap, build our own traditions, and cherish the friendships that make life whole.

Walking into their circle feels like being wrapped in a warm embrace. It’s a place of safety, laughter, and love—a reminder that life’s most beautiful moments are often the simplest. This sisterhood, built on decades of showing up for one another, is proof that we’re better together. And isn’t that what life is all about?