A story adds to accumulating knowledge. A summer family camp had a place for everyone beginning at age 4. The first summer our daughter was only 3 1/2, so the stayed with grandparents. All winter the boys primed her with what fun things her group would do. She went stoically her first morning. We picked her up at noon with the usual question,,” Did you have fun?” She planted her feet and declared, “Nobody knew my name!” Her contacts consisted of lots of family at home and in San Antonio and various activities at our church where everyone said, “Hi, Sarah.” Grammatically a first person singular pronoun needs a third person singular pronoun to have a first person plural pronoun. I need you to enjoy being part of we.
I am aware of this because several changes have lessened close at hand friends, mostly because of life shifts. I have passed the stage of several children in my circle, both of family and a classroom each day. Being a widow and living in my own home means if I didn’t reach out only the yard man and twice a month cleaner would be in my space. Attending whatever is not as often because I don’t drive as much. Part of the problem is older people die, reducing the available pool. This isn’t a situation just for an 87 year old. Every day a newspaper article speaks to a variety of ages lacking the personal contact with flesh and blood and the talents needed to draw them into your circle. Phone texts are special, yet not the same as sharing space. Wall Street Journal told of a lonely security guard who wiles away the night having conversations with Grace, a chatbot on the app Replica.
So, even though I am not discounting adult children to be available, I have taken action in my own hands to create a larger circle. I write this blog and picture most of you and how you fit in my life. Friends a half decade younger are still a little more alert at driving and wanting to go to various events, even to choir which in itself offers being with long time and new acquaintances. Arranging for tickets or paying for parking are an easy way to share togetherness. I make a point to converse with the check out Asian helper at Kroger, designated as a “weak tie,” yet still a familiar face to exchange smiles and comments with me. The Little Free Library helps me go read to the little ones sitting at the table. A few parents of my first and second graders at church were my first graders themselves one day. I search them out and remind them. So thanks to YOU who call, send pictures, even write letters, or sometime drop in to help affirm,”Someone out there still knows my name. WE are a group!”
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
Ephesians 4:9 – 10
Let Me Tell Ya 