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