I feel sad… please nurture your friendships/relationships

JanieJack

Just posted to my MFP Blog, and thougth I'd share with y'all:

Normally I wouldn’t talk to our directors about personal topics, but today our boss was delayed to the meeting, so I asked one of our board members about one of our civilian executives who will soon retire. He said this lady doesn’t know what she’s going to do with her life, that retirement snuck up on her and he gave the impression that because she was alone, no kids, no husband, no real family, not involved in the community she’s pretty lost right now.

After I got over the shock that this man was telling me such heartfelt stuff, his sadness for her made me sad too. She is one of the most powerful women in government. She’s beautiful, too. Yet, for whatever reason, she did not nurture the kinds of relationships that could be enjoyed in her retirement.

I’m no social butterfly, and retirement is still a few years off, but I have a variety of other single chicas who will retire at about the same time and we’ve planned on some fabulous trips to celebrate making it to the end. And around that I have my son, my family, my church work, my community work… in fact, I will probably be more busy (and vibrant) in retirement than I am now.

I’m sure she’ll stay connected to her work- probably consult or something. But it’s a poignant reminder to me that life moves faster than we realize. Please take time out today to nurture those friendships and relationships that will provide meaning for the rest of your life.

pammbroo

Thank you for sharing this story. Your sentiment is lovely and I absolutely agree. Never know what tomorrow brings....

Tropical_Turtle

such a touching, and sad story at the same time. It is true, things sneak up on you and POOF you just never know.

farmers_daughter

Good reminder to never take things for granted, watch the bridges you burn and keep a positive outlook. I can only hope that at that point in my life I will have built up a supportive group of people to call "my family"

On the opposite side of this I have a girlfriend whose mother is what I would imagine to be extremely lonely....her husband passed away a few years ago and anytime anyone stops there she tends to hold them hostage for someone to talk to and what she usually has to say is completely negative.....I have empathy for her but I'm determined to not do that.

I will join the circus first!!!

SouthernSweetie74

Thanks for sharing this...

I sometimes think that will happen to me when my children are grown and gone... but I do have them, and I am active in church, and do have friends... and there are always cats...

flimflamfloz

It is everyone's responsibility to ensure their life is fulfilled on several levels.
I've noticed a lot of people become involved too much with work when relationships and friendships are failing...

NCTravellingGirl

I really hope some of my friends learn this soon... It took me WAY too long myself and now here I am still single at 36. The career shouldn't be the only thing that brings you fulfillment!

I have a friend, only 30, but she had a great life here with a man she loved, etc... yet the career came first. She moved herself 500 miles away to take a small promotion and pay increase and is now still wrapped in the job, not seeing what she's giving up. Her choice of course, but I'm good friends with the man involved and see how hard it's been on him. He's got a commitment to stay here because of an ex and a child, so the ball is in my girl friend's court.

Hard to watch and I really hope she sees the light before she misses out on the family she says she wants! So sorry to hear that for your coworker and hopeful she'll find something she's passionate about!