As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more reflective on life, decisions, my circle of friends, etc. Maybe a better word is nostalgic?!? I don’t know. How about you? Do you find yourself being more nostalgic or reflective?
I moved to St. Louis in December of 2007 for a job and to be closer to my fiance (now hubby). Moving to a larger city and away from Springfield, MO, was exciting. St. Louis has so much to offer. Right?
However, it’s now been about 2-1/2 years. I’m afraid that St. Louis doesn’t seem to be growing on me. Or maybe I’m just not growing on St. Louis. I’m not sure which of the two seems to fit the situation best. I do think that “cities” put a different twist on life; there’s more to do, see, feel, and experience.
The Culture of St. Louis
In addition to that, I’ve had several conversations with natives of St. Louis. St. Louis is said to be comprised of large groups of friends and/or family. Many have grown up together. The Catholic church also seems to be a common denominator.
After hearing that it would be difficult to connect with people here, and being the social person that I am, I was a bit frightened and discouraged.
Fitting that mold wasn’t going to be easy. I’m from the East coast. And I was raised within the Assemblies of God. Unfortunately, I’m finding the few people that I spoke with were right.
It’s been very difficult to find my place here. I don’t have those, and meet those few girlfriends that you sit down with and catch up with over a cup of joe.
Therefore, I find myself feeling lonely at times. I’m fortunate to have married my best friend. I’m also grateful to have my other best friend here with me as well (my twin, Kristine Bombine). Without them, I’d be completely lost.
However, this does not deflect from the fact that my phone rarely rings with an invite to get together, and e-mails are few and far between. I often wonder what this means.
Am I not meeting the right people? Maybe I’m not good company. Is everyone truly that busy? The questions are endless, and the answers seem undefinable.
I never thought I would miss Springfield. As of late, I’m reminded that I had a great thing there — a circle of friends. I know that as we journey through life, people come and go. Our circle of friends will continually be changing, for both the good and the bad.
Don’t Take Your Friends for Granted.
Today, the journey seems as though it might be a little better, a little easier, and even a bit more enjoyable if I had a few girlfriends that were journeying beside me.
If you have that circle of friends — text them, hug them, and most importantly, don’t take them for granted.
Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” – Albert Camus
Anonymous says
Well Kel, the only thing I can say to this blog is Ionly wished I lived closer. It is so difficult to make changes in life!! You have always been my social butterfly and I believe that cirlce of friends is just around the corner because the Lord knows what you have need of! I so appreciate your honesty. Love you, Mom