The author doesn't speak to her mom friends anymore. Courtesy of the author I formed deep friendships through my children's lives. Distance and life changes made it harder to maintain those bonds. I still value those friendships, even as they've faded. At 5 a.m. every Thursday morning, my phone pings with a text from my friend. This early morning communication is a yearslong tradition that began when we lived in the same time zone. My 5 a.m. is her 8 a.m., a much more reasonable hour for a che