Kate Meyers: Yesterday was my 50th birthday, and I spent it surrounded by forty women I know and love. I looked around the room and realized that most of them are moms. Over the years, we have watched our children grow, discussed house rules and cell-phone policies, picked up carpool shifts, supplied emergency babysitting, delivered gifts and meals and cards on doorsteps, shared our dieting woes and hiked away our troubles. It is comforting and life-affirming to know that there are so many wonderful women in the world, and that if I need anything, all I have to do is pick up the phone.

I don't have any family nearby; since the birth of my children, my girlfriends have taken over that job in different ways and on different occasions. Today, my friend Jenny hosted my fabulous birthday brunch, and looking around the room, I was in awe at the power of estrogen. The room was filled with dedicated moms who are also teachers, lawyers, editors and entrepreneurs. They bring home plenty of bacon and still make sure the goodie bags are just right. They are the people I look to, learn from and share with. 

I have lived the "village" concept in my small town in Colorado, and I am so grateful for it. My deepest wishes for the world are that all children grow up with so many loving women to hold them and help them, and that there are plenty of dads out there who are happy to go out and do the pre-party ice run.