I was not a good friend.

My friend experienced some “issues” recently. You know, little things that did not seem like her. Something was off but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Have you ever experienced something like that? You give it a fleeting thought, scratch your head and then move on. You say to yourself, “oh, well, I better get to the library before it closes. I’m sure she is just fine”. Sound familiar? I’m so ashamed that I did that exact thing. I was not a good friend.

Now she is in a memory center. Her family is split, angry and wondering where in the world her friends were then and where they are now. I don’t blame them. 

Now a chatty lunch is not possible. Now a card with a signature isn’t recognized. Now once familiar faces scare her.

A phone call is literally too difficult. Where was I?

On this Valentine’s Day when we think of our loved ones, the people we cherish the most, let’s not forget our friends or neighbors who need to know that we care also. Those who slip in and out of our daily lives but who we enjoy and are glad they are there…like my friend. 

My friend gave fun parties, she headed up organizations, she thought of others less fortunate by providing for the underprivileged, she supported the military, and she loved it all. And when she started to slip, I was not there. I was not there for her, for her family or even for her sweet dog.

So, this Valentine’s Day when you give your “special valentine” a card or flowers or candy or remind them of how much you love them, think of your “liked” ones also. 

I wish you all a happy Valentine’s Day with those you love. Now, excuse me, I have to make a few phone calls to some friends and neighbors. 

Happy Aging, 

Sue