As a young mother, Texas Gamma Lori Webb Milner’s life was busy, to say the least. With four daughters, there were meals to prepare, tears to wipe away, books to read and make-believe tea parties to attend. Motherhood gave Lori a different, more purposeful focus than the carefree days of being a 20-something.

Like many women, Lori has less and less time for herself. Her social calendar previously had happy hours and parties, some hosted by the Pi Phi young alumnae group, while her new calendar was full of play dates and school field trips. Somewhere along the way, between juggling being a wife and mother, Lori stopped participating in Pi Phi events.

Then one spring, she saw information about an upcoming Easter egg hunt, hosted by the Children’s Events interest group of the Houston Alumnae Club. “I thought it sounded fun, so I took the girls,” Lori said. The event was held a local alumna’s house and included food, photos with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo in addition to the traditional egg hunt. Mothers and children attended the event, and some grandmothers and aunts also joined the festivities. “I saw a lot of people there that I didn’t even know were Pi Phis,” Lori said. “And I reconnected with other sisters I hadn’t seen in a few years.”

Lori had such a wonderful time at the Easter egg hunt that she decided to start attending Pi Phi events again. It was a treat to have a dinner or night out with her Pi Phi sisters. She then was asked to chair the Children’s Events interest group. Lori gladly accepted and held the position for several years. She then was asked to join the club’s Executive Board, which she also gladly accepted.

Today, Lori serves as Co-President of the club. She enjoys helping with big-picture projects, like the club’s budget and its communications plan, but she also enjoys the time spent with sisters. And with Pi Beta Phi’s 150th anniversary year underway, Lori has especially enjoyed the sense of pride felt among club members. “The 150th brings back special memories and reminds everyone about the forever bond we share,” she said.

I loved hearing Lori’s story because it reminds me of something called the “Pi Phi Highway.” Our sisterhood is like driving on a highway. We can exit the highway at any time, like when we are busy with children or with our careers. But we can always get back on the highway. Pi Beta Phi can play a significant role in our lives, no matter our age or the city in which we live. Pi Beta Phi is always there and waiting for us, with open arms.