I’ve craved community and connection for most of my life. Some have it naturally through family. That has never been my story.
College provided it for a while and I loved it. And then we scattered to find jobs and build lives. Some of us stay in touch on social media. Our interaction now reduced to clicking a “like“ button.
Workmates at my 18+ years job became a second family that I loved. But now we‘re into other jobs, into retirement, into health challenges, and some into the great beyond.
I remind myself that I am not without connection. I have a husband who, for 3/4 of my life, has been my very best friend. I have friends both near and far whom I love. Many of us connect regularly by phone and it’s truly lovely.
But I miss the spontaneity of an unplanned drive to hang with a friend or a dinner with friends that comes together without any forethought or planning. I miss the Sunday fatigue that weighs heavily after being up into the wee hours on a Saturday night because we had so much to talk about and the time flew by far too quickly.
I miss the gatherings we hosted in our home from retirement parties to holiday celebrations to house concerts. All of those friends and acquaintances made me feel like I was finally home!
As my disability gently and slowly progresses, I’ve become more and more aware of the fact that many of those activities are simply out of reach. Even if my partners in crime were as available as they once were, I would struggle to do even a fraction of the things we did so often.
I’m missing community.
And it now occurs to me that I also miss me…
I’m glad you’re here 💜
With Angels and Elephants 
Hi Dinah, I’ve missed you – glad you’re back. After reading your latest post, I just have to say that I fully understand (I’m there too) and could not have expressed the feelings better. Kay
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kay!
I’m learning that aging requires a certain kind of bravery… At least if we’re going to maintain any kind of positive thinking!
So good to connect with you. And thank you for reading my blog… Hoping all is well in your world and sending you huge hugs!💜
LikeLike
Hi Dinah,
Surprised to see Joan Didion’s picture on your post because I just finished reading one of her books!
Change is hard on all of us, and I can only imagine how hard it is on your body as you get older.
I got a new knee at the end of July and am struggling with the rigors of therapy on this old body.
A Zoom get together would be great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Bev
I love Joan Didion! I’ve read two of her books… Blue nights and the year of magical thinking… Pretty sure those were the titles.
Thanks for reading my blog! And I would love to connect on zoom. Let’s try and do it in the next week or two, OK?
Big hugs💜
LikeLike
Although we don’t actually “talk” I DO love reading everything you post! I am, and have always been, comfortable alone. I don’t get lonely, I guess. If anything, I get antsy if I’m getting a lot of texts or calls or both, so I tend to leave my phone on silent to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings.
Maybe in another life I was a cat?
Hugs to you, sweet friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry for the delayed reply… Busy couple of days here. Thank you so much! Please know that I am grateful for your kind support of this little writing space. And even more importantly, I’m grateful for your friendship. Big hugs to you💜💜
LikeLike
Thank you, Dinah.. This struck a chord. We are planning a cross country move in a few years and I’m already feeling the heartbreak of leaving my friends and family IRL. I do hope we can build new relationships where we land and keep those existing relationships alive virtually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to hear from you again. I will send good thoughts so that your eventual move can be easy and effortless and that you find your tribe quickly! Wishing you joy throughout the process. Big hugs💜💜
LikeLike
Hi Dinah! I have been having trouble liking and commenting with the software for some reason, but I finally made it!!
I feel you in the whole process of building and maintaining community. I really hope you get the sense of community from your blog 💗
I know it’s not quite the same, but it’s definitely something wonderful to have! May your local community manifest 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read and comment. Yes… Blogging does provide a sense of community, doesn’t it? It’s quite lovely. I think for all of us… The best that we can do is to keep rolling with the changes that come and keep being as positive as we can with all those changes! Wishing you peaceful journeys and beautiful support always. Big hugs💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, I also miss the younger times when you could just spend time with a friend hanging out- nowadays most gatherings with friends are meal-based and it’s just such a different feel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! I miss being together with friends just to enjoy their company. It was so easy and spontaneous! Now even phone calls seem to get scheduled via text first. Why? Ok….somewhere in the back of my mind I’m hearing that old song 🎼🎵 Those were the days my friend! We thought they’d never end….🎵🎶
Sigh. Thanks for reading 💜
LikeLike