My first time at the local WA Carer's meeting I stood waiting to pay my $15 for fish and chips. I had visited the restaurant before and knew it wasn't the best. I expected dry lifeless fish which is exactly what was served! People sitting at the carer table took no notice of me, no one welcomed me as I stood alone. Finally the lady taking the money turned to me and took my money. She asked me no questions. It was a rather horrendous moment. Should I just leave? They seemed such a unfriendly lot.
The lady opposite me seemed disinterested but we began to talk and I asked her questions. By the time it was time to leave we had shared information about each other and I was hoping she would be there the following month. It turned out she had told me about a local information internet page where newcomers often introduce themselves. A bit like a local Facebook page. I thought; what the heck and did just that. I received a reply from the lady I had met that afternoon who asked if I was the same person she had met that afternoon. The rest was easy. We have met up several times since our initial meeting, usually with our husbands in tow and sometimes just us.
I have also met some local women at the clubhouse one evening for the newcomers. It was a great night with a movie, wine and nibbles. Merv, Mel and I have already attended two monthly dinners at the clubhouse. Fabulous dinners, desserts and entertainment for $12 each! I take Merv's dinner with us and reheat it for him but we always manage for him to have the dessert by adding lots of cream and/or custard to help it go down!
Talking about friendships, weirder things have happened. A bloke Merv went to primary school with and stayed in touch with through adolescent, adulthood, marriages and divorces until twenty years ago when we lost contact with him suddenly made contact with us again. It was a great surprise for Merv when he visited us at home. I had not told Merv in case the friend decided for whatever reason he was unable to come. His home at the time was an over four hours drive away from us. He brought his dog and stayed overnight. I was delighted to catch up with his news. We finally all went to bed at 2am the next morning!
Only the day before a friend who hasn't been back to Perth for over thirty years flew over with her new hubby and stayed with other friends. They stopped by for lunch and we spent time catching up. We had visited her twice in Victoria since she had left Perth. I could tell she was shaken about Merv's declining health. She would remember Merv as a jovial, talkative person. All she saw now was a man who rarely talks and doesn't (is unable) to join in the conversation without prompting. I know it was difficult for her. It's funny but I felt for her.
My amazing sister, her husband and family, my new friends and friends to come, my girl at home and Merv, all making my life whole. All the work and material things in the world don't make the world go round. It the love and friendship of others which does.
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| The sun setting over the bay, a time to relax and reflect |
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| Merv's mate Wayne who surprised him with a visit |
