Old friends

I’ve been thinking a lot, just lately, about friends and especially friends that I’ve had in the past…and with whom I’ve lost touch…and yet, more to the point, whether to try to contact them.

When I was a young mum, I had many friends. I’d left teaching for a while and, instead, immersed myself into the role of young mum, which brought with it a whole, new world: baby groups, toddler groups etc and always invites here, there and everywhere for morning coffee, an afternoon cuppa, taking with me one baby daughter ( and later on, one baby son) and not forgetting all the baby supplies needed when you leave the house! 

Later on, when my children were a little older, going back to full time teaching meant much less time for socialising but I still treasured my friends and made a few new ones along the way.

In particular, I had one really lovely friend, who I used to meet regularly; our sons were of similar age and I’d actually taught her two children when I had been teaching full time. Sadly, we lost touch and I often wonder how she is…and I often wonder how her children are...and no doubt, like me, she has grandchildren.

There then came a point in my life where everything changed and that’s when we lost touch. Firstly, my dad had Alzheimer’s and at the same time my daughter had her first baby. So I found that any spare time was spent dashing here, there and everywhere to ensure that everyone was ok. Life was manic as I was also teaching. No excuse really...and no one’s fault but when you feel pulled in all directions, as I felt, you have to prioritise. And I often feel quite vexed that I lost touch with my friend.

I heard that she had moved to another part of Devon and although she’s not on any socials, her husband is…but at the same time, I wouldn’t want to go where I’m not wanted. So, for that very reason, so far, I’ve held back from trying to make any contact.

I started this blog back in 2007 and I think that back in those days, she used to visit it from time to time, so maybe she will read this and get in touch. It would be lovely!