Heart Tending

I spent time with close friends for the Super Bowl. I’m confident I was the least interested in the game, but with these three, it didn’t matter. What was most important was that we were spending time together—not necessarily because of the times in which we live, but because I love them and spending time with them makes my heart feel full, whole, and cared for.

We met as neighbors in a condo building on the north side of Chicago, and though three of us moved to the suburbs, one of us still lives in the building. We rotate hosting gatherings, and this time, it was back to the building where it all started to spend time talking, laughing and eating.

We talked about the shameful state of the country, thanks to the orange felon and his lot of spineless, mindless, and misguided followers—briefly. We wanted to keep the mood light, but there was an underlying sense of hope even while we talked about it. We’re getting used to the ridiculous reality shit show and how and when to engage and pay attention—and more importantly, when not to. Kind of like friction—it’s what happens when you gather people together who care about each other and rub them together—figuratively. It generates hope and good feelings instead of heat.

I drove home feeling refueled because I’d bathed in friendship. Finding time to spend with your people is more important now than ever. My people are amazing. So are yours. Keep them close. We are each other’s strength. And I can’t wait for our next gathering.