This morning I visited a woman who was being admitted to the hospital for surgery on her knee. I knew that she was a widow. With her were her daughter, and her female friend of forty years. For some reason, I was really struck by that---knowing someone long enough to have been friends for that long. Due to numerous moves, I can't say that I have a friend I've known since my school days. The only people I have had a relationship with that goes that long are family members.
But I have lived in Central New York now since 1978, so that is now almost 32 years, so there are a handful of people around who have known me for 30 years. Having been a transient most of my life, even that feels like really having roots.
Not having a "hometown" and lifelong friends used to feel like a real loss and make me sad. I don't feel that way any more. I'm so thankful for the variety of places I have lived, the diversity of people I have known, and all the special people who have come into my life.
So far, the longest I have lived in one place is thirteen years. With any luck at all, I'll manage to top that in my current location.
I think I'll 'put in a request' for fifteen good years in this house, the company of those who love me, good friends, and most of all, the thing that makes all that possible---good health!
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