In the early 1980’s, I was urged by my pediatrician to never allow my children into our bed at night. It was deemed physically and emotionally unhealthy for the child. As a woman who rarely did what she was told to do, especially when craving much-needed sleep, I didn’t heed the warning. And truth to be told, I couldn’t stand to be apart from my babies any longer than necessary. Thirty years later, old habits die hard.

Recently, it was my youngest daughter’s twenty-sixth birthday. I took Lauren and eight of her closest friends out to dinner at The Grill to celebrate. After stuffing ourselves and making merry with several bottles of wine, we came home for a Jacuzzi and sleep over.

As was typical of mornings in her youth, I found Lauren in bed with me bright and early the next day ready to rehash the previous night’s events. Before I knew it, the others sleepily sauntered down the hall and climbed in as well – six girls and three boys; nine large adult bodies vying for my soft blankets.

At first I was a little squeamish. After all, I was dressed in only a skimpy nightie and looking rather scary with my bed-head and no make-up. But as we lounged and told stories, I began to thoroughly enjoy the moment of bonding.

While relishing in the fact that I was allowed to participate in this morning-after-huddle, I was hit with a revelation. These kids were not only Lauren’s close friends, but people she considered to be “her family.” They were part of the village she was creating away from her biological unit. Her comrades in times of celebration, worry, joy, and tears.

Many years ago, I created my own tribe with several wonderful families in Los Altos. Carefully selected to be a part of my inner world, they aided not only in raising my children, but me as well. Through thick and thin, they stood by me when my blood family was absent. With their love, compassion, warmth and encouragement, they believed in me when I lost all faith. They also played the devil’s advocate when my self-worth was in doubt, holding me to my truths which they saw hidden deep within. We’ve ridden life’s rollercoaster up and down, arms tightly intertwined, like the branches of a mature wisteria vine, enjoying one exhilarating ride after another.

As I watched my baby nestled among her buddies that morning giggling, telling stories, reminiscing about shared history, I smiled. This was her budding community, her clanship that she was sculpting, shaping and forming, to run the course of her life. These beautiful young adults were her future and I felt secure in knowing she’d be forever surrounded by the warmth a loving circle brings even if I couldn’t be there to give it to her.

We all have people in our lives that we’ve created long lasting kinships with. Men and women who at times were more like brothers and sisters than mere friends. Now, I don’t recommend you invite all of them to climb into bed with you – it does get rather crowded – but I suggest you give them a call and tell them how much they mean in your life. I don’t know where I’d be today without my amigos.

To all my wingmen and wing-girls, thank you. Just like Downy Fabric Softener, you’ve neutralize my static cling, smoothed all of life’s wrinkles, awoke my senses with your delightful scent, and made the sheets of our family bed incredibly comfy, cozy, and secure.