Tuesday, August 30, 2005

FINDING SOLACE WITH FRIENDS

"Without friends no one could choose to live, though he had all other goods."
Aristotle 384-322 BC "Nicomachean Ethics" VIII - 1

I consider myself a very lucky person to have so many excellent friends. These past few weeks, when things have been tough, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of these friends. From care-packages of food, to loans of cash, to hugs when I needed them and kind words of support, I have been surrounded by these 'guardian angels'. For this I will be forever grateful.

It's been a rough couple of weeks. I've been so sad, but trying to occupy myself with pleasant activities and keep a positive outlook. My friends have been there for me all this time. Sometimes I still feel that big wave surging over me, and I struggle to keep it from sweeping me away. It won't do to flounder now. I have to keep from sinking into despair.
And the circle of loving friends around me has helped me. So now I'm feeling better, clinging on to hope and keeping a smile on my face.

I spent a relaxing weekend and have had two good visits with my friend. Sunday I saw a lovely movie: Ladies in Lavender and had a lady friend for dinner. Last night was my writer's critique group. Today I had lunch with my grad class ladies. Tomorrow I'm getting my hair done and will meet friends to listen to jazz in the evening. Thursday friends are coming for lunch and in the evening my son's band is playing downtown so I'm going to listen. There's a lot of interesting and good things happening.

I haven't done much 'serious' writing in the last two weeks since returning from the little vacation at the Lake. But I think I'm ready to begin again. I have been writing every day -- mostly journal entries of one kind or another, therapy. Now I feel that it's time to return to those other lands -- Alexander's world. So tonight, I hope I can get motivated enough get my notes out and start writing. I also have to start preparing my handouts and lessons for the Fall season of writing classes. There's lots to do!

"Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
Mmm get high with a little help from my friends."
John Lennon 1940-1980 and Paul McCartney 1942-
"With a Little Help From My Friends." 1967

2 comments:

Sam said...

Friends are so important - but you have to be brave to have friends, because of the possibility of losing them. I suppose it's like that old poem about fear that ends something like - if you're afraid to die, you will never live.
Sending you lots of cyber hugs
(((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

Wynn Bexton said...

Thanks Sam, and welcome back!
Last night my friend's pals all gathered in the lounge at Palliative Care and did a concert for him and other patients who were well enough to attend (those who were in bed could hear the music down the hall). It was such a heart-warming gesture and meant so much to my friend. He even played a little percussion and sang along with them. And it was worth a million bucks to see that smile on his face!

You're right! Friends are worth more than anything else! And yes, it is a difficult thing to face losing those you love so much.