Day 58

Coffee will call the spirit to get this body jumping. It’s Sunday and after church I will watch the Giants lose another game. Sometimes it’s hard to be a fan but when they slump is the important time to root for them. It’s wet so the soggy garden will not get attention. The lettuce bowl is ready to use. Nothing like fresh food. I’m addicted to walking and thanks to the rebounder I get exercise and stay dry at the same time. 

Of all names I'm called

My favorite is Grandma

Happy Birthday Meg

Sunday writing

Megan is confused about her changes. She is on the verge of a whole new way of living and it means changes in relationships. Her longtime friend Sarah and she are cooling their friendship and I know that is the natural separation, it is uncomfortable. The change started when Megan moved back to C. City as she and Sarah shared an apartment for years. Megan needed the help with the rent and Sarah needed a place to live. It was mutually satisfactory and then Sarah had to find a place on her own and Meg needed to learn to live alone as she was commuting to Humboldt. Now Sarah is on her own and working and Meg is almost graduated and has a job waiting. The inevitable changes are a time to keep the friendship without the daily interaction. It’s tricky but can be done.

There are situational friendships. When Hollie was working, keeping her family going, and commuting to Humboldt, she shared rides and classes with another C. City woman in the same circumstance. After graduation and employment the other woman drifted away from contact. Hollie was confused thinking she had done something to cause a rift. No, I counseled. When the mutual goal was completed, the relationship was also completed. She accepted that explanation.

I have five women who have been friends since seventh grade. 70 years. Even though our connection is likely to be cards on birthdays, the caring and connections are still there. We have lost one friend and one is teetering on the edge. It is worth the effort to write and call and keep our long history going.

Friendships like all relationships need tending. It takes attention to move from an active one like going to classes or living together to a friendship at distance. Divergence is change and all change is stressful. And it is possible to make that change and keep each other up on the news and stories about work and life. I’m sure that Megan will make that leap while she adjusts to full time living here, working, and making new friends.