Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Girlfriends wanted. Apply here.

I have spent the last couple of weeks contemplating. Maybe it's because I'm 40-something. Or maybe it's because I've been to several weddings and funerals lately. Or, maybe it's because I'm coming to a point in my life where I'm seeing things shift. My children are almost all taller than I am. People who are my peers are retiring from their jobs. My 25th class reunion was recently. I am no longer expected to take everyone with me everywhere. No more diaper bags or car seats. I am reminded monthly that there are no more babies in our future. So, what comes next? Yes, I am still training my children and growing every day as a helpmeet to my sweet husband. Mind you, I'm not at all discontent, I am just in need of some girlfriends. Not the high school I'll-only-like-you-if-you-wear-your-hair-this-way kind, or the whiny, nothing-is-going-my-way, my-husband-is-so-awful kind. I am seeking those kinds of friends who will be brutally honest with me. As in. "Sheryl, why are you still wearing the same clothes you wore in high school?" Or, "Honey, get in the car! You're coming with me for an intervention-lip wax!" Friends who will exhort me and point me to scripture when it's needed. Friends who will save up their vacation time to spend an annual weekend together where we just pick up where we left off last year. Friends who will serve food at my relatives' funerals so that I won't be burdened to do it. Friends who will attend my children's weddings and cry with joy alongside me. Friends who will answer my calls or texts at all hours. Share books with me. Laugh or cry with me. Share secrets with me. Play Bridge with me. OK, maybe not Bridge. Maybe it's because I don't have sisters. Maybe I have some crazy romantic notion about having a group of friends who will love me when I'm 97. Who knows? So, if you think you're up for it, and you won't just whine about your husband, give me a call. Apply here. Maybe we can learn to play Bridge together. :-)

3 comments:

Amelia said...

I know how you feel Sheryl...People these days are so into busyness that they even let good things trip them up and it keeps them from true fellowship it seems. I don't do texting but I can do coffe over the kitchen table sometimes. I do email too. : ) I have found too as sad as the alone times seem at first, the Father is there and usually if we look around there may be some others who need us during the lonely times that we wouldn't otherwise think of. Sometimes the elderly have been some of my very best friends. I miss a couple of them so much who have gone to be with the Lord. I wish I would have been even more friendly and more grateful to them.

Hugs to you dear one!

Anonymous said...

I have just sat down to read this for the first time....today (11/12/11)...I am with you...I agree with everything you said...and you had my application a long time ago!!!! I miss you. Call me soon so we can catch up! Life is always crazy!!! Hugs, Dee Dee

Tam said...

I think you just described ME. ;~D But, I don't need to apply. I'm already in. For-e-ver. (like it or not) Kym Miller told me today, as she was laughing at another one of my candid responses, "You know, I just love you. I know I can count on you for a truth-filled response. 'Tamara, do you think I look fat?' 'Yeah... I think you could lose a couple pounds.'" Hello. I would NOT be that brutal!! Haha. But, I get it. And, I am honest (in a loving way!).

With this post, and the next about being a Mommy of 4, you'd better look out. I'm liable to scoop you and your family into my suitcase and drag you to Knoxville! I've always dreamt of having a girlfriend or few with whom I could do annual dates. Seriously. We will talk...

I think you're brave. These entries are prime examples as to why I'm too chicken to write a blog. I can't let my big heart hang out there, like this. Brave, brave.

I'm not into blogs, but I think I just must subscribe to yours... if I can figure out how to do that. Wow. I don't want to miss any more of Sheryl's heart-wrenching posts!

Your heart is truly precious. I'm sure you got slammed with applicants...