Alpha Phi Wedding
 

On Sunday evening I returned from Houston where I attended the wedding of one of my best friends and Alpha Phi sister, Gina G.

San Antonio girls: Gina was the first Chapter Advisor for the St. Mary's chapter of Alpha Phi. She really was instrumental in getting your chapter colonized back in the mid-90s. She's an amazing woman who somehow managed to make it through dental school, while sitting on an Alpha Phi International Committee and serving as the advisor to the Iota Beta chapter, which was then colonizing.

Anyway, she married my husband's best friend in a beautiful ceremony in The Woodlands, Texas.

But I digress...

There are many Alpha Phi collegians on Greek Chat, and I want you all to know how lucky we all are to have Alpha Phi--both as a college student and as an alumnae.

At the wedding I got to see a number of sisters whom I had not seen in many years. The best part was that it was as if no time had passed. After the initial "hellos" and "what-are-you-doing-nows," we were chatting as if we'd seen each other yesterday. The friendships you make in college truly will sustain you for the rest of your lives...that's just one of the many special things about Alpha Phi.

Another interesting realization came to me as we were practicing "Alpha Phi Sweetheart" (to sing to Gina and Charles): Alpha Phis--no matter the chapter--seem to have so much in common. I chatted with a lady from the old chapter at Alabama, women from the Omega chapter at Texas, alum initiates...what did they all have in common? Something indefinable. Something I can only describe as The Alpha Phi Spirit.

I've found that old or young; East Coast Phis or West Coast Phis or Midwest Phis; collegian or alumnae--the bond of Alpha Phi binds us and, in some way, makes us instant friends.

Now how special is that?

Awww, I have tears in my eyes. :( As you may already know, I did not return to St. Mary's this semester. I moved back home because of financial reasons. I miss all of my chapter sisters. I talk with most of them via IM, e-mail or phone, but it is not the same. One of the sisters asked me yesterday "when I was going home." :( I cannot wait to go back; I count the days. Enough of this mushy (sp?) stuff. I am getting very teary eyed.

Congratulations to Gina. Unfortunately, I never met her, but I have heard of the wonderful things she has done to help the Iota Beta chapter. I am glad that you had a wonderful time. :)

Oh you guys are making me all teary eyed as well!

I so hear you on the Alpha Phi Spirit. There really *is* something about the women of Alpha Phi, and the organization as a whole, really. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but it's amazing and I am so happy to have such awesome sisters!

There's not much that makes me feel as warm and happy as does the thought of knowing that I have this bond of sisterhood with women I have never even met. It's so cool to think, for example, that if I ever move to a new town, I'll have a network of friends already in place, just waiting for me to meet them.

We miss you Adri!

AOE
Ili

http://www.plaudersmilies.de/cry.gif
I miss you all too. I will be back; I will be back........