For 50+ years, I had four friends from elementary school that I have kept in touch with. Two men. Two women. The five of us have been through thick and thin, have enjoyed a supportive relationship, but we also give each other shit like only long term friends can. And as the only lawyer in the group, I’ve given them all a lot of free legal help through the years.
One friend died from Covid last year, then there were four. Then another died from cancer in February, and then there were three. Now it’s me and two girlfriends. One of them called me last night to say she has cancer, and is having emergency surgery to remove tumors that look malignant. Really feeling sucker punched right now.
“Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. The older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.” — Mary Schmich