I am looking forward to an annual gathering of my college friends this fall. We will be heading to Door County. The six of us have been getting together for a long-weekend-catch-up for over 20 years now! We've stayed at each of our homes, shared space in several time-shares and once rented a B&B in Milwaukee. Every time we gather we have fun....exploring, talking, laughing. We go to a movie or the theater. We visit museums and shops. We share lists of books to read, movies to see....we all bring food and wine. We often have a laugh-filled "craft" project. This gathering is my annual "therapy" weekend.
We all went to Ripon, so all enjoyed a quality college experience. We've followed different paths since then.....in marriage, in career choices. We live all over the country....but we gather to spend a little time together.
And we are very different. And we respect our differences and enjoy the friendships in spite of them. But there are some differences that seem to be so divisive that we just avoid them. Sadly, this year's presidential election highlights a divide in our group. But even more sadly, for me, is the fact that we can't sit and talk together about the how and why of our political decisions. A wall goes up.....anger results.....friendships could be damaged. So we just won't talk about the difficult choices we face this November.
I wish it were different. I am struggling with my own decision this year....and I really would like to try to understand "the other side". If friends can't discuss why they support a candidate's positions in a civilized fashion than who can? It's no wonder that our elected representatives won't reach across the aisle to find common ground if friends can't even do so.
I look forward to this long weekend in October.....so happy the tradition of an annual gathering continues. Plus this year we are all celebrating our 70th birthdays so it's a special year for us. Maybe someone will be bringing a group birthday cake!
I look forward to every minute.....but I'm still a bit sad about the fear of conversation.
Well said, Linn! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOne of the six.
Well said, Linn!
ReplyDeleteThank you,
One of the Six
I think people have forgotten how to have a debate. Passion has been replaced by fanaticism. The need to convert or be converted leaves little room for conversation. I applaud your search for the facts and wish you luck in your effort.
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