Susan Fancy

Through it all, I made efforts to nurture the friendships with my friends who had children. My efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

“Sue, you’re so good about keeping in touch,” some friends said, “If it wasn’t for you….”

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I’ve been noticing…

Many friends socialize more and more with their adult children.

Nephews and nieces moving toward their own adult lives.

Siblings and friends anticipating or embracing grandparenthood.

The reciprocal give-and-take that sustains friendship involves a delicate balance. Again, I feel this balance tilting more my way.

I understand why this happens. But I no longer have it in me to carry friendships that aren’t mutually reciprocal. Now and then, uneasy thoughts arise.

Where will I fit in?

Who’ll keep in touch? Who’ll visit?

Who’ll remember my July 28th birthday? Who’ll celebrate me?

Who’ll be there for me? Who’ll sit with me?

In such moments, I inhale deeply and, with a slow, grounding exhale, whisper to myself, “Release these worries. Nurture the relationships that nourish you. Trust in them. Express your hopes. Share your dreams. Assert your needs. Remain open. Continue building community. Stay involved. And stay in the present – make the most of this precious time and celebrate who’s most precious and present now.”