The Power of Friendship

My friends keep warning me to expect emotional roller coasters in the days ahead. But, of course, we all think that is what happens to others. We're strong. We can handle this.

But then the roller coaster unexpectedly heads downhill, and we're not in control.

Last night I ran into a woman that we've known since we moved to this part of Vermont. She taught with my husband and had our son in class.

She told me her husband, her best friend and closest companion, died on September 11.

We shared, we consoled, we sympathized. And then we both withdrew into our own pain, now with an additional edge given by sharing each other's. And yet with gratitude for the mutual acknowledgment of our shared grief.

When I got home, I nearly adhered myself to my husband as we sat on the couch together.

Earlier today, I had lunch with one of my dearest friends. She's had plenty of troubles of her own—health, getting laid off, a pending divorce—and yet she reached out to me again and again when I was away with Mom.

And today she gave me the gift of her listening. And my roller coaster ride was gentled by her touch.