Rusty Recluse??

One of my dearest internet friends, Ralph, suggested I write about friends today. Where do I even begin? I have known many friendships in my lifetime to this point. They vary in length, depth and character as do my interests. I never forget the friends I have known. The imprints of themselves they leave on me never fade but become a part of me for all time. It's very difficult for me to let go of people but that does seem to often be in the nature of friendship. People move in and out of our lives constantly as we move along the road of life. As we get older reaching out to make new ones often seems like a daunting task. This is especially true of those of us who still battle with shyness. Moving to a new area is the biggest challenge to me friendship-wise. I have made excuses for myself like "taking care of an almost invalid makes it nearly impossible to cultivate friends" or "I like being a hermit (lol)". But now Mom has passed on and it's been over two years now. I find myself facing the stark reality of serious loneliness. My husband is the best friend I'll ever have but I yearn for more friendships. Maybe one of these days I'll break out of myself and really give it a try..soon as I figure out how...