80 Years of Friendship...

Recently, I had the good fortune of taking my 89 year old Mom to visit an old friend who was in failing health.  To see these old gals,  who had been best friends for 80 years, holding hands, like a couple of schoolgirls, touched my heart.  

To say I had "the good fortune" of doing this sounds odd, I know, but it really was an honor to witness.  80 years!  What a tribute to friendship!

When I pondered the visit, later on in the day, I tried to imagine what all had gone on in those two old gals' lives...80 years!  They met in grade school...probably shared stories of secret crushes...  They went through high school together...and met their future husbands.  They saw those young men off to war, both carrying on their own love affairs, over years and miles.  They were witnesses in each other's weddings and began their families.... coincidentally, both having 5 kids each. I imagine they shared recipes, child-rearing ideas, fashion and fads...all the things Moms do.  

They were part of a "card club" with other lady friends -although I  don't remember ever seeing a deck of cards.  I DO remember the food that was served when it was Mom's turn.  We knew there'd be leftovers the next day...appetizer and dessert treats we seldom got to sample.  I remember, too, sitting on the top stair, out of view, listening to the chatting and giggling....something that we didn't hear too often. Our Moms,  cackling and carrying on!

My Mom and her dear friend's social lives intertwined, through the years, and their husbands were best friends, too...all because of their friendship.  Dances, trips, dinners out, all the fun things couples do...The years took their toll and their fun times started to dwindle.  Health problems entered the picture...  My Dad passed away.  Although the "couples fun" ended, the two old gals' friendship never waned.

Mom wasn't sure she wanted to visit her friend in those last days.  "I don't think I can stand to see her that way".  I realize now that my Mom was saying good-bye, not only to her dear friend, but also to such a large and fun part of her own life.  It was hard.  

Mom has said since, that the hardest part of growing old, is losing your friends and being left behind.  Life, good health, and friendships are precious...Thanks, Mom and Dorth, for that reminder...