need a friend

I have got to 65 and suddenly realise I have no girl friends who I can ring or meet up with for a chat. I am married with one daughter and two grandsons who I adore but I have started to think a lot about when they are grown and need their own lives to live and if anything happens to my husband first then I will have no one and it is really getting me down. I have been married for 43 years and my husband as been my best friend and so I never felt the need to have girl friends. I am not the sporty type to be joining a gym or very religious to be going to church but when I have been to things like line dancing classes I find most of the people there are already with friends. Its only now when it seems too late that I realise friendship is very precious.

Annika and still more (((hugs))) from me to you.

Annika

Annika (((((hugs)))))

Annika I loved the fact that through your friend you made two others.

Annika I'm so pleased that it went "well" (you know what I mean). It's nice to say goodbye with a smile as well as tears.

Annika thanks for letting us know how you got on. I'm so glad you had some moments of laughter and a chance to express what a wonderful person she was to each other. You have two new friends to remember her with - that's lovely news

A big thankyou my Gransnet friends for all your kind thoughts. It helped me get through the funeral of my friend.
I was pleased to find that the rain had stopped in time for the funeral, even if the sun did not shine.
The service in church was very touching, the sight of our two GC holding on to their dad's hand while walking behind the coffin brought tears to my eyes. Our GD was holding on tight to her Nanas teddy bear in her other hand, bless her. DiL made a lovely speech ( more tears) and the vicar read out a speech (again more tears) my friend had made when she was given the terrible news that she only had a short time left.
I got through the day somehow, it was a day with a surprising amount of laughter as we all remembered fond memories of her. What a wonderful lady she was.
I have also made friends with two of her friends I had never met before so her influence lives on in all of us.

And that's the driest and sunniest part of Scotland. I speak as one brought up on the Firth of Clyde who went on holiday to granny's in Fife for a bit of sunshine.

Thanks Jess - coming frae Fife, I never leave home wi'oot a rain mac

It rains a lot in NSW - twice as much as London! take your waterproofs gally

I see that - but so many drivers here don't even bother with the road tax; somehow in Australia, not sure how, they don't get away with it!!

Gally, you can't be issued with a road tax disc in the UK without proof of insurance, so in a way it is included.

Annika
It's ok to cry as well as laugh,as has been mentioned before. My 2 year old gd keeps telling me that 'mummy cries a lot - she's very sad' and she knows it's because Grandad has 'gone away'. She sees us both crying and it doesn't upset her.
I am thinking of you,

Kate thanks for advice. I have had a couple of winter visits in the past and will be bringing Uggs, PJ's, etc as my daughter's house is very cold at night (no heating) although keeping the nose warm is a problem! It's the getting dark at 5 pm that I can't cope with, especially after a long winter of darkness here.
I find the drivers in Oz take more care than the drivers in the UK. Far more penalty points (drink driving/speeding) and new drivers have P plates and then have to take more tests to get a full licence. They also drive further apart than we do - no bumper-hugging. I also like the idea of insurance being included in the road tax - at least then everyone is actually insured, unlike the UK.

Annika - sad for you and all the family.
We'll be here when you need us.
Kate I believe London is the most ethnically diverse city in the world but not particularly known for bad driving.
I cannot begin to comment about people taking their bad habits to other countries - i read the story today about the drunken welshmen who broke into the water park and stole a penguin (in Australia). I can only apologise on behalf of the Welsh nation.

Hi Kate2012 I am puzzled about your comment:

'I forget how many ethnic groups we have in Australia, but think they have all brought their bad driving habits with them'

Are you talking about the stereotype of French and Italian chaotic roads in their city centres, or something else?

If parking rangers are as feral in the UK as they are here, broomsticks are the way to get our own back.

But, how long before local councils put up 'STRICTLY NO BROOMSTICK' signs? Though clamping them would make for interesting viewing.

Anika - sending kind thoughts to you. Take care of you too.
Kate

Glammanana I am looking to get gun ports on my broomstick, and will be aiming them at certain 4 x 4 drive who think might is right.
I forget how many ethnic groups we have in Australia, but think they have all brought their bad driving habits with them - hence the broomstick.

Thanks Gally. 21C here today, blue skies and sunny.
If you haven't experienced a Sydney winter before - think English summer during the daytime, with chilly early mornings and nights. Great walking weather.

Annika I hope all goes well today. Cry, laugh, smile, celebrate her life and enjoy your grandchildren - your friend live on in them.

annika for you, you're in our thoughts, especially tomorrow

My thoughts are with you and your family for to-morrow and the following days

Annika thoughts will be with you at this very sad time. But do not worry about crying in front of the children. That is what a funeral is for to feel sad at the loss and to start grieving. It is good for children to know this and if they see it is normal to be sad at such times that is healthy.