For 25 years, a group of women from MacGregor have gathered weekly for coffee, conversation, and the celebration of life’s milestones. What began as a casual way to pass the time while their children were in preschool, blossomed into a tradition that has weathered the test of time and formed lifelong friendships.
Connecting through creativity
It all started when a fellow mom, who has since moved away, began inviting some of the women over for coffee after dropping their children off at preschool. With only a few hours to spare before pick-up, they would meet at each other’s homes to chat and unwind. From there, some of the ladies found they had a similar interest in painting which is how their core seven was formed.
“These ladies all started connecting over folk art painting. I believe Tracy was the one that knew how to and that’s how, Jennifer Wiebe and I, got connected with them later, by going to a painting class. Our children are called ‘the painting kids’ and we are ‘the painting moms,'” says Charlene Sawatzky.
Another member, Cheryl Blyth recalls how their bond solidified early in the friendship.
“It almost felt like it was cemented at the beginning, for me. It came naturally; it’s like we just all clicked,” she says.
The strength of shared milestones
The women, who now refer to themselves as the “PAP” group (short for “Painting and Party”), found their bond deepening with each passing year. Painting became just one aspect of their friendship, as they began to support each other through motherhood, relationships and all of life’s highs and lows. They have cheered each other on through countless milestones. Whether it was potty training, dealing with teenage hormones, or supporting each other during difficult times, the group has been a constant source of strength for one another.
“We would get together every Wednesday, and we would ‘cheers’ our accomplishments,” Jennifer Wiebe recalls. “Sometimes it’s with coffee, sometimes with champagne, but we always celebrate the big and small things.”
Through thick and thin
Their support goes beyond celebrations, as they have also been there for each other through illnesses, personal losses, and challenging relationships.
“We’ve all had really hard things to deal with in life, but we’re always there for each other. It’s like a security net that is always going to be there and there’s no judgment. That doesn’t mean we’re all perfect all the time. We sometimes disagree or have different ideas, but we discuss things, and in the end we are there for each other,” Wiebe says.
As the years passed and their children grew, the group’s connection continued to grow as well. Today, the group’s children are now adults, with some even becoming parents themselves. The next generation of ‘the painting kids’ is already bonding and building relationships of their own. “Now the grandkids are getting together,” says Jennifer Wieler, reflecting on the group’s generational impact.
“And none of our children have married each other, which is too bad because it would be fun to be mother-in-law’s with some of your best friends,” Wiebe says with a laugh.
However, the ladies all agree ‘the painting kids’ are more like siblings and the women, too, have become so much more than friends—they are a chosen family. As each of their children have weddings, the married ‘painting kid’ has posed for a photo with their seven ‘moms’ while holding a paint brush as a way of showing where it all began.
“If we look back on pictures from 20 years ago, we were making brownies and crafts with our kids,” Wiebe remembers. “Now, if we’ve got pants on and coffee in the pot, we’re good!” Even after all these years, they continue to support each other in every way possible, whether it’s helping plan weddings or navigating the challenges of menopause.
Lessons in celebration and support
The group’s bond has remained unshaken, even during the pandemic when they transitioned their beloved Wednesday tradition to Zoom meetings. While their gatherings have evolved, their core values of friendship, support, and celebration have stayed the same.
“As women, you learn to celebrate for each other. Even though you don’t have the same situations happening in your life we learn to celebrate each other’s highs. That’s a big part of being a woman is not being jealous of somebody or competing. That’s something that I think we’ve all learned in this relationship is celebrating, for each other, the different things that happen in our lives and having joy for them,” says Sawatzky.
The ladies say the only competition for their group is board games and cards.
“That can get a little rowdy,” they all joke.
After being friends for so long, these women have learned many valuable life lessons from one another.
“Something that Charlene has modelled well is: ‘It’s going to be OK,'” explains Beverly Olson.
“Yeah, don’t sweat the small stuff. Everyone has dealt with it and if we haven’t, we’ll get through it together,” Wieler continues.
25 years and counting
As the group celebrates 25 years of friendship, they’re not slowing down. Earlier this year they’ve celebrated by taking a trip to Mexico and have plans for a summer party as well.
“We’re drawing up a plan for a care home for all of us!” Tracey Hodges laughs, showing they won’t be stopping their tradition anytime soon.
From the simplest moments of joy to the most challenging times, these women have created a network of unconditional support, laughter, and love. And as they look to the future, they know one thing for sure: their friendship will only continue to grow stronger with each passing year.
“We’ve gone through a lot of stuff,” Liz Wall says.
“That’s kind of the glue though. When there’s tough times and you’re there for each other, it’s like an extra bit of glue that holds you together and it gets stronger every time,” Wiebe continues.
The PAP group agrees the essence of their friendship doesn’t lie in perfection or even similarities, but in consistently showing up and offering support to each other in all aspects of life.
“That’s probably one of the things we’ve learned: there’s no right way to help each other except to be there. We muddle and muck our way through everything trying to help each other. We’re just trying to consistently be there for each other,” Sawatzky says.
Wieler agrees, “By now we’re family. These are my chosen sisters.”
