Memories

Lately, I have been able to make some connections with old (timewise not agewise) acquaintences both friends and relatives.  It has really been wonderful.  I never sat and really concentrated on how many years have passed since the last time I spoke with these friends. Once I realized that some were from forty (that's 4-0) years ago it made me sit up and totally get the point that this is not practice.  Not to sound too gruesome but we are all going to pass someday and so you better take heed and LIVE life and not just sit and watch it go by.  If for no other reason, it is both comforting and unsettling to sit and listen to someone tell you of their life experiences over many years.  You realize that people you had pegged to grow up/end up one way might be the complete opposite of your vision.  Others you hear of the heartache they have endured when you had absolutely no idea of their plight.  I wonder what, if anything, they think of my experiences.  Do they see what I have been proud of in my life as trivial and meaningless, or, are they amazed at the information?  Would we have chosen each other as friends if we had met in our later years?  Will I continue to advance the friendship?  One thing I have known about myself for probably all my life is that if I am your friend it is "golden".  I tend to invest a lot of time and effort in keeping a relationship thriving and also expect that to come back to me.  Just last week I received the news that my godmother, Aunt Terry, the only surviving sister of my mom's nine sisters, had a major stroke at the age of 82.  The prognosis is not good, however, doctors won't place a time on her outlook.  I, for one, am glad they won't do that because I don't believe it is their prediction that counts.  Her time will come when it comes.  IJTWLI