I remember some years ago
I was in New Hampshire with Rachel spending the day with my dear friend and her family. One conversation that we had some years ago has been replaying in my mind over and over again but its funny because that conversation wasn’t anything “special” to me or her. As the winds of change seem to be blowing in my life I hear the conversation, I see it in my mind. My friend was talking about her children and the friends she has made with the other kid’s parents. The summary of the conversation was that you seem to make good, long-term friends with the parents of your oldest child’s friends and the subsequent children’s friends parents don’t usually become a big part of your life.
The parents that I became close with through Rachel have all moved on, keeping busy with their 4th graders and their activities. I have this beautiful 5 year old daughter and all of the parents of her friends seem to be taking the place of the friendships I should have through Rachel. I have to make the most of these new friendships and really make an effort because long after Rachel is gone I will have needed to invest in friends and life for Julie and the boys.
Its so sad. So unfair. So ridiculously depressing. I knew something wasn’t “right” with Rachel a long time ago. I just can’t believe it is this. Give me autism, give me an attachment disorder, give me bipolar disorder.
Just not this.
TeamRachel aka mrskatvon is both a website to gain public awareness of Juvenile Batten Disease (which affects my oldest daughter) as well as a journal to remember the events in our lives.
Rachel was diagnosed with Batten Disease in July 2009 and while we knew something was "not right" we had no idea that such a nightmarish disease existed. There are dozens of nasty, orphan disease which affect people both very young and old.
Aside from dealing with the changes of Batten Disease in my daughter, Rachel, I have tasked myself with making life memorable for all of my children to make sure that (at least) 3 of them grow up to be as well adjusted and happy as possible.
Friends are a strong part of my life. I still remain good friends with our childrens friends parents after 40 years. Keep in touch with all your friends, as family & friends will carry you through your life with John Rachel Julie London & Boston.Keep friends & make more .!!
Hugs as ever Mum XX
Well I don’t know how you feel about me, but I consider you a lifelong friend. I’m not going anywhere! I am also here to talk if you need me, you know that, right? xoxox
also wanted to add, I am only friends with one of Courtney’s friends parents, so this doesn’t ring true for me either. I guess though I am only friends with one of Collin’s too. Hmmm maybe its me.
Kat you are really right about that , I stil am close to the people i met thru my oldest child and am not really friendy with my youngest, You are wise that you realize this and make an effort as hard as it is with all that is going on, to make friend with the other kids parents,
I have a chronic illness, and have now only 3 good friends. I think everyone else thinks I fell off the face of the earth. Healthy people move on and dont even consider how lonely i get and am mostly confined to the house. Your family is in my prayers, You are going through a living hell
You are right….anything but this. I just got all teary-eyed reading that! You should write a book.
btw…Im not going anywhere…and we didn’t meet through kids (9th grade, baby)!!!!
Just not this, mama. Just not this.
*hugs*
Here. Listening. ((hug))