Jan. 8, 2024

I turned 49 a few days ago. I’ve been told several times recently that this doesn’t make me old. Which is a relief because I’m not that wise yet, either.

There’s still time.

But even lacking a high degree of wisdom, there are some things I’m beginning to understand. One of them is the fine art of friendship.

The past few weeks have been a master class in what it means to be and have friends. I’m discovering intricate nuances in how I connect with people, and it’s a really cool thing. Maybe it comes with paying deeper attention to and understanding the love and the hurt I give to others, not to mention myself. Plus there’s my own lifetime of receiving love and hurt.

It’s a change I started to feel over the holiday break with my wife, and I feel it now with a close-knit group of friends. Something I’d like to do is work up the courage to renew and repair other friendships I don’t devote enough time to.

Friends are really something. They’re everywhere, and everyone can be one.

You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you’ve got a friend in me