Our independence in friendship
worked well for us for years.
Once as an older employed person
in between jobs and homes I stayed
with her for a few months while
scrambling back to the top of the cliff.
It was hard for her after living
alone for quite a while, still she was
too generous to tell me to move on.
After time overseas I returned to
set up my own home. Our friendship
righted itself as we saw each other
occasionally, talked at length.
Now in poor health she lives in a
smaller home near mine. I can
quickly walk there for a cup of tea
as she asks, but want my life to
continue as it is, see her sometimes.
Our situations are now reversed.
Once I crowded he in her own
home. Now I need space in my life.
How do we resolve the challenges
of her lessening independence ?