Pure Gold Sisters

“Make new friends, but keep the old; those are silver, these are gold.”

Forty years ago at Indiana University, I met a group of women who would become my lifelong friends—my “pure gold.”

Decades later, we’re still creating memories across the map, from Chicago, New York, and Nashville to Florida and Bloomington (of course!). At every reunion, we laugh about those early days when we launched into the world with optimism and excitement, ready to conquer it all.

But life rarely goes as planned. Together, we’ve navigated divorce, depression, the loss of family members, career shifts, cross-country moves, and cancer. And don’t even get me started on the kids! The real world hit hard, and many days weren’t about conquering—we just tried to survive.

The ultimate blessing? None of us had to weather those storms alone.

Despite our geographic separation and infrequent gatherings, I know I have friends—sisters—who know me, really know me. And they’re there when I need them, to encourage and uplift me and also to tell me the truth even if I don’t want to hear it. That’s who true friends are—they have our backs, as well as a shoulder, a hand, an ear, and a voice in our lives. And because of them, through our trials we may not only survive but we may grow—in strength, patience, and faith.

So today I am especially grateful for my dear friends who have been by my side for most of my adult existence—my Pi Phi sisters of the wine and silver blue.

You are pure gold.

New Friends and Old Friends By: Joseph Parry

Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold. New-made friendships, like new wine, age will mellow and refine.

Friendships that have stood the test—Time and change are surely best; Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray, friendship never knows decay.

For 'mid old friends, tried and true, once more we our youth renew. But old friends, alas! may die, new friends must their place supply. Cherish friendship in your breast—New is good, but old is best;

Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold.