Through the magic of Facebook, I have, over the past couple of years, reconnected with several of my high school classmates. We launched our lives together from a small girls' parochial school in San Francisco.
It has been fun to see where friends' lives have taken them. Some scattered across the country, but many stayed in the Bay Area. I would venture to say that for all of us, San Francsico still holds our roots. There remains a certain pride in being a native daughter.
We have all collected a few badges, ribbons and medals, well worn in the form of (just a few) gray hairs, wrinkles and sags, but all have been well earned. May our laugh lines always overshadow our worry creases, and may each gray hair represent a quick moment of worry that gave way to an hour of relief.
We've worked through our careers, found our mates and life-long friendships, raised our kids, (or became the "Village" for our "kids from other mothers".) Some of us have now watched loved ones departing for better shores. This is some of the tough stuff, and we are learning how to "do" this part of life. To paraphrase Betty Davis, getting older "...Ain't for Sissies". But it also has an upside.
This is a rich time in our lives. Some are celebrating recent retirement (I for one am jealous!) Most major life work is behind us, and now we are beginning to exhale and enjoying the payback for a lifetime of hard work. Though it does come with a few new learning curves, there is a special comfort in having a few connections with our fellow SJU Bears - those with whom we started our journeys, back when "our time" was just beginning.
Wishing my Saint John Ursuline sisters a wondeful New Year! May 2012 bring much joy, fabulous new experiences, the comfort of financial security, and above all, may each day be enjoyed in the best of health.
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