I was mistaken when I believed life would slow down once my sons moved out. It hasn’t. In fact, I’m not quite sure how I had time to raise children. I imagined time for lunch dates with girlfriends, and sleeping in on my mornings off, but this seldom happens.
And this is actually one of the reasons I often look forward to going to work.
I’ve heard it said that we really do make time for the things we want to do. And, I think that’s true about relationships as well. They take intention, and sometimes, they take some schedule swaps, tree climbing, and meal planning.
My friend Jean and I have gone from Irish dance nights at the Gaelic League with our families, to climbing trees and collecting osage oranges to repel spiders in our basements, to patient care in our ICU rooms at Beaumont Hospital. We’ve struggled through Kitty Heinzman’s High Cauled Cap, supported each other through life’s losses, giggled over thee silliest of things, cried over some things too, and shared the wisdom passed down from our parents with each other. And most of our best conversations often take place in an ICU room, or the Respiratory Department’s break room.
Tonight on my way home Jean texted, “Bringing some veggies and salad dressing for dipping. I cut up some apples and oranges. Bringing some chocolate to dip them in. Party tomorrow in the break room!” I replied, “I’m almost done making the spaghetti. Onions, or no onions?”
When life’s too busy and my friend lives clear on the West Side of Woodward, and I live way on the East Side – we get creative in order to spend some time together. So thanks, Beaumont – not just for being a great place to work, but for being a meeting place for me and my lifelong pal to continue enjoying our friendship in this season of our lives!
Hey Jean, meet me at Beaumont tomorrow, and knock 3 times on the ceiling when you’re ready to eat (and chat it up!)
Life’s short. Be intentional. Be creative. And whatever you do – laugh often!
It’s not about having time – It’s about making time!
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