I spend most of my time surrounded by ten and eleven year old kids. So I know that to children, friendship is the key to happiness.
In the world of elementary school, few things are more painful than the sinking feeling that another child doesn’t like you. Few things are more vital than the belief that the other kids accept you.
Theoretically, I earn my enormous salary for teaching math, reading, writing, science and history.
In reality, I pour at least half of my energy into helping children to navigate the stormy waters of childhood friendships.
Happy is the child who has at least one friend moving over to make room for him in the meeting circle.
I remember the pangs of those tender friendship troubles. I remember trying to get up the courage to ask my “best friend” if she was starting to like someone else better than me. Oh, the desperate pain of that fear!
When I grew up, my friendship needs were mostly met by my family. I had my children and my husband, and every other relationship was secondary. I was friendly with other mothers of young children, but those relationships centered around our kids. I enjoyed the company of my work colleagues, but only while I was at work. Once I went home, my circle closed in around me, and I was happy.
But as I am learning every day now, life is a wonderful spiral, bringing us back again and again to what we once knew. I am fifty eight years old, and my children are all grown up. My circle is no longer a tight little ring; it has opened up and wrapped itself around so many people who increasingly mean everything to me.
Now I am an older lady. I am a professional, a mother, a teacher. I don’t really have to worry about having a place to sit at morning meeting.
But you know what is really cool?
I’m still thrilled when the people I like seem to like me back. I’m still excited when my friends want to come over to my house for dinner. I still love laughing with people who understand my jokes, and eating good food with people who are happy to share a table. I still get that little bubbly giddy feeling inside when I am invited to a party.
I’m all grown up, but I’m absolutely convinced that my little students have figured it all out.
“Friendship is the key to happiness.”
Thanks to all of my friends who came this weekend to remind Paul and I that we used to be sixteen, and that we can still be just as much fun as we were back then!
Empty Nest, Full Life 
This is lovely! I too am still tickled pink when someone I like seems to enjoy being my friend. Seems like such a simple thing but it’s so nice when it happens. And I totally agree with you that a teacher’s job is equal parts academic and social. The best way to prevent bullying is by helping kids have friends. Kids who aren’t happy, aren’t going to learn math and science and health. You obviously deserve your giantic, super-dooper, ridiculously large salary. (Don’t spend it all in one place.)
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Hahaha!
I knew that my fellow teachers would like that line……
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Karen,
I love your insightful posts..you really it on the head….no matter how old you are, it is the friends – be they blood relatives or people who are only related through connections and places – that count and make life worth living…keep up your blog…I am a big, big fan!
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Thank you, Nancy! Coming off a wonderful reunion weekend with very old friends, and I am still feeling the love!
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You are not an “older lady.” You can’t be, because you’re 58, and I’m 63, and I’m not an older lady.
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Well, but I meant it “mentally”. You are sage and wise, I’m just getting creaky.
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But you’re with those kids all day, which has to keep you young in heart and mind and spirit.
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We, your readers, don’t “really” know you. We only know that part of you that shows through your prose. But, for me at least, that part is enough. In whatever capacity it is possible (through such a remote connection), and whether or not you feel the same, I think it’s true to say, “I am your friend.”
And, as a friend, I wish you mucho hugs and open hearts from all those who are near and dear to you.
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What a lovely thought! I absolutely consider you and my other blogging buddies as my friends. I think of you when I read something I know you’d enjoy, I write sometimes with you and the others in mind. and I appreciate those mucho hugs!! Back at you, my friend!
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Aw….shucks! (blush)
😀
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We, old friends and spouses of, feel honored to be invited into your circle of friendship where warmth, comfort, acceptance and kindness abound
.
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And good food, but that’s because you brought it!
🙂
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