Today my parents completed their 2-week long anniversary and birthday celebrations. We met their group of friends at a local restaurant for lunch. They have known each other for over 40 years. My mom met the women through teaching music. They have been through many wonderful and many difficult times together. The group of them and their husbands now get together every month that someone has a birthday. The oldest is a gentleman of 91 years who still goes to the gym 3 days a week and walks 2-3 miles on the treadmill. He told me that he and his buddies solve all the sports issues while they are there. His wife is almost a year older than my mother. While she can no longer play the piano as she used to, she still hears and sees very well and is in otherwise pretty good health. She told me that her and her husband will likely be selling their house next year as it is difficult for them to keep it up. She said they may be moving to another state to be close to their daughter who wants them there. As she talked about the different options, I could sense how difficult it will be for them to make this change. The “youngsters” are in their 70’s and the musician is still teaching private lessons. My parents had a fantastic time and said how grateful they are to have this group of friends. I enjoyed listening to their stories.
I Found God today in the joy and intimacy of long standing friendships.
