One Dinner, Many Doors

Four years ago, I went to a Jewish travel singles dinner in Detroit.

Nothing dramatic. No big expectations. Just dinner.

That’s where I met Janet.

Janet did something that would change my life in ways she probably didn’t even realize at the time—she welcomed me into her world. Through her, I met Shoshana, Cheryl, Rachel, Amy, Sheryl and Lisa. What started as acquaintances quickly grew into friendships, and before I knew it, these women had become some of my closest people.

We play Mahjong and Euchre almost every week. There’s something comforting about the rhythm of the tiles, the cards, the laughter, and the conversations that drift between games. We plan day trips to the Fisher Theatre for the Broadway in Detroit series, try new restaurants downtown, and bundle up for the Boston Edison Christmas house tour, admiring the lights and the stories behind every front door.

Even though we’ve traveled together — most recently to Spain with our synagogue — these women aren’t my travel friends. They are my everyday friends. The ones who show up daily, not just for trips. The ones who fill the space between the adventures and make regular life, feel rich, full and deeply connected.

But it’s more than activities.

It’s sharing secrets. Long phone calls. Checking in on each other. Planning new adventures and dreaming up future ones. It’s knowing there are people who truly show up—for the fun days and the hard ones.

Sometimes I stop and think about how easily this could not have happened.

If I hadn’t gone to that dinner one night four years ago…

If I had decided to stay home instead…

If I hadn’t walked into that room…

I would never have met these women who now enrich my life in ways I can’t imagine living without.

It’s a reminder I carry with me—whether it’s travel, friendships, or life in general—that sometimes the biggest gifts come from the smallest decisions. One dinner. One yes. One open door.

And suddenly, your world gets a little bigger, warmer, and a lot more full.

I sometimes think the bravest trip I ever took wasn’t across an ocean, but walking into that dinner alone-without knowing that it would lead to friendships that would show up for me day after day.

From JuJu with Love ✈️💙