The sun was shining brightly as I packed the last of the sandwiches into the basket. It was a rare weekend where all five of us—my closest friends—had managed to carve out time for each other. We’ve known each other for decades, all single mothers in our 50s now, each with our own stories of love, loss, and resilience. Today, though, wasn’t about the past or the challenges we faced. It was about enjoying the present, together.

As I drove to the park, I couldn’t help but smile. It had been a long time since we had a proper picnic, and I was excited to see my friends. We were all a little older now, with a few more laugh lines and stories to tell, but our bond was as strong as ever.

When I arrived, the others were already there, setting up under a large oak tree. My best friend, Marie, waved me over. “We saved you the best spot!” she called out. I laughed as I joined them, spreading out my blanket next to hers. Linda, with her vibrant red hair and infectious laugh, was already pouring lemonade, while Susan and Claire were debating the best way to arrange the food.

We spent the afternoon reminiscing about old times, laughing until our sides hurt, and sharing updates on our lives. Marie was planning a solo trip to Italy; Susan had just become a grandmother; Linda was back in the dating game; and Claire, ever the artist, had started painting again. As for me, I was enjoying my newfound freedom, embracing the joys of being single after so many years.

At one point, as we all lay back on our blankets, watching the clouds drift by, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Life had thrown us all plenty of curveballs, but we had come out stronger on the other side. We were a group of women who knew our worth, who supported each other through thick and thin, and who knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures in life—like a perfect picnic on a sunny day.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, we packed up our things, not quite ready to say goodbye. “Let’s do this more often,” I suggested, and the others nodded in agreement.

On the drive home, I felt grateful for my friends, for the laughter, and for the life I had built. Being 55, blonde, and a single mother wasn’t always easy, but days like today reminded me of the joy that could be found in the little moments, surrounded by people who truly understood me.

And as I pulled into my driveway, I couldn’t help but think, this day was just about perfect.