The Importance of Friends

Alzheimer's disease is a terrible illness.  I watched as my stepdad spun down into the whirlpool of confusion and fear while my mother dealt with each small and large crisis, and have seen many patients and their families deal with these losses.  Now a friend is struggling with the care of her husband with the disease.  The burden of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, or of dealing with the many other losses that accompany aging, is not something to deal with on your own, but many people try to tough it out, or lean on their children and other family members for support.  

Having just come back from a "girls" weekend, I see as clearly as ever the value of friendship- I depended on it in high school, in college, as a young mother, during a divorce, and while facing the challenges and losses that have come with middle age.  I know that my family is always there for me, but I also know that there are things I can talk to my friends about that might be painful or worrisome to a family member.  My hope is that I can maintain the friendships I have, rekindle some I have neglected, and continue to search out kindred spirits that I can count on for support- and to whom I can offer support- in the challenges to come in the future.

To my friends, I thank you!

Michelle

Musings... on birthdays

I celebrated my birthday a week ago with a small road trip to just north of Tampa, where friends invited us to stay with them when we told them we'd like to stop and visit.  We hadn't seen them in a while, and I was surprised that after a lovely dinner at their home I had my favorite birthday cake, dark chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting.  I've been asking Greg for a "birthday road trip" the last couple of years, and he is a good sport about letting me pick a spot to explore, and "going with the flow".  Sometimes it's been a day trip, but the last two years were 3-nighters. I don't want to go overboard with travel costs right after Christmas and also want to see more of Florida, so I look for spots I'd like to explore by car.  This year we took in the Ringling Museum of the Circus and the Ringling mansion in Sarasota,  and went to Tarpon Springs, which is an "old Florida" town settled by Greek immigrants who made their living diving for sponges- still a commercial enterprise there. We also checked out Indian Rocks Beach, had a short hike in the state park on Honeymoon Island, and were treated to a Florida Orchestra Coffee Concert.  Of course, we always look for good food...

I love getting cards, gifts, and facebook messages, as well as multiple "singing telegrams"- you know who you are!- from family and friends on my birthday, and treasure each one.  More than anything, though, I have enjoyed my "custom" birthday adventures with Greg, and look forward to many more. Next year, perhaps Miami?

Try it!  You may find yourself with a new birthday tradition!  Thanks for stopping by.

Michelle