I have been having a hard time dealing with the world lately. There is so much horror and violence, such deep division among people who should know better, and so many difficulties in talking about any of it.Even the fall colours this year are muted owing to disturbances in the climate and sudden weather events -- and the pandemic is returning for an unwelcome reprise.
However, I have come to the conclusion that TPW saves lives. And I don’t mean that figuratively. It isn’t just that having friends is good for our mental health, although that is crucially important. We actually share important health information. How do you know whether what you are experiencing is worth a trip to the doctor? Someone in the group has been there and can tell you about her experience. Is it time for the next COVID vaccination or flu shot? Someone will help you figure it out – and help you find it too. While friendship is largely about showing up, knowing what to say and when and how to say it is at the core of making a difference. I know we got one another through the worst of COVID. And I know that talking with my friends who feel safe discussing volatile and controversial issues where opinions have divided continents has meant the world to me. We trust one another. In a world where truth and trust are so hard to come by, what could be more lifesaving than that?
