Another prompt that’s given me pause. I’d say the relationship with my wife, on occasion; the relationship with our children, my siblings– especially my brothers, and now the one with our grandchildren.
I think it’s the one with the grandchildren that stands out, currently. The reasoning is partly selfish. I want them to have good memories of me, so I’m one who tries not to talk down to them, who gets on the floor and plays with the toy trucks and gives them horsey rides and runs around outside and in general acts like someone not my age. They bring out the kid in me, and that role feels quite natural. I’m both exhausted and exhilarated by their energy levels, taken with their authenticity, moved by how much of life they’re seeing and dealing with for the first time. And as much as I don’t look forward, sometimes, to keeping up with them and looking after them, I walk away from most encounters feeling like it has been time well spent, like I really couldn’t be anywhere else.
I have few non-family relationships I’d call friendships, except for one or two from college days fifty years ago. And those are still important to me.
3 Cents' 