Hi, Jackie: How blessed you are to have 8 children! So very blessed! I have just checked out your link and the section of your personal interests reads just like my personal scrapbook and that of my friends from school...to a T! It is so uplifting to find someone of like mind and spirit. God bless you.

My best friend of 33 years just moved from my town to another state 12 hours away. I am devastated. I miss her so. We talk almost daily on the phone, but it is not the same. What will happen to those impromtu dinners and that cup of tea we shared? I will visit, but how often can I do that with working full time and other family obligations? I am one that doesn't like change, can you tell?!

We recently had our 30 year highschool reunion and I was so amazed that prior to the get-together I was able to connect with classmates I literally hadn't seen in 30 years.

We have now begun to keep in contact and it's just great. Some of the people I started wrwiting to were classmates I never got to know in highschool - time changes everything I guess!

The Internet sure is a help in staying connected. I've also been able to know people I went to school with and I'm really enjoying it. And, these new friends stay in touch with others so it's been a double blessing.

Pam...I'm so sorry. You must feel so sad. You're lucky to have had such a good friend for so many years. I'm sure you'll stay in touch but in a new way.

Pam R...boy can I relate. My best friend moved to Alaska to teach school. She's on the most northern point...on the Belgin Sea. She had to learn to use the computer & email, or be isolated...so it was a good thing in a way. I have another very close friend and the three of us meet at a certain time on Sunday nights in a private chat room. This way we all three stay in touch with our lives, get to tell of upcoming events and just hang out together. It's not like having them in the same town, but ....

Lola, thank you for your sweet comments! You're right, I AM blessed...however, God, if you're listening...please bless someone else!!! At the rate I've been going, I won't be an empty nester till I'm ready for the home...

PamR, I truly understand of what you speak, I have always hated change and still do especially when things are going great or seem to be....

There are good places to meet new people. What are you passionate about? Consider volunteering. Join a book group.

When I first moved to AZ alone after my divorce, I had a hard time meeting new people. I found that volunteering, going to community events, and going to lectures etc. at the local library really helped. Finding volunteer opportunities in an area you feel passionate about is, I think, the best way to find 'like-minded' people.

When I was ill for so many years, the computer brought me back into contact with many classmates.
I even found my bridesmaid, and we are planning on meeting in our home town in the fall to celebrate my 60th birthday.
Recently separated from husband after 41 years, and she divorced after 36 years.
She now lives about 5 hours from our home town, so she will be driving up while I fly down.
We'll see some old classmates that are still living in the home town and then drive back to her new home.
This will be the last time that the both of us plan on seeing our home town, but hope the memories will be nice ones.
As far as meeting new friends, I'm doing it all the time, and it's so nice.
And right now, I have to say my dtrs. are doing a good job of taking care of me and keeping me out of trouble.
Took me out to the casino last nite and got to see Bill Cosby! What a hoot!
Lynne
Finding friends and keeping friends isn't hard.
It's just up to them to want to stay your friend.

OK, I'm going to try to take some pro-active steps. There have got to be some clubs or organizations I can "try on for size", places to meet people who have similar interests.

I'm getting to the point where I'm happy just going to work and coming home. I've always been a social person, and don't want to turn into a total hermit.

Wish me luck...

Whirlwind