Making friends as an adult is hard.

As a mom, it’s even harder.

I’ve learned something over the years that no one really talks about: being a caregiver makes friendship complicated. It’s not that you don’t want to be a good friend. You do. But most days, you’re just trying to survive.

You’re navigating therapies, appointments, meltdowns, medications, school meetings, and the daily emotional labor of advocating for your child.

Friendships? They often get pushed aside. Not out of neglect, but out of necessity.

And yet, somehow, this journey has also made room for a different kind of friendship.

I’ve met moms and parents who are in boats that look a whole lot like mine. Each of us navigates our own waves, but the overlaps help us understand one another in ways others can’t.

Two weeks ago, I had the incredible gift of attending a retreat with other caregivers—people who just get it, and the Care for The Caregiver Retreat.

Some were women I’ve known for a few years, friendships formed through shared struggles and support. Others were new connections that somehow felt familiar from the start, common ground laid out.

Women who understand the rhythm of our world: the quick hellos, the brief check-ins, the “I see you” texts sent in between crises. Because sometimes, that’s all we have time for—and that’s okay.

Some of us sat down for quiet, child-free meals and just talked.

We listened. We shared.

Some of us giggled at the wrong time, over something ridiculous, and felt mischievous again, like teenagers who snuck out past curfew.

And some of us danced the night away, only to realize with great joy (and a little regret) that our knees no longer “get low” like they did in our twenties.

There were hugs and hellos.

People I admire and I honor.

Not the kind that demands constant maintenance or long phone calls.

But the kind rooted in deep understanding.

Friendship that is both sometimes and always at the same time.

What a reminder that we are not alone.