Anyway, going back to the friend we visited, she is Sr Lynne Green, a Brigidine nun. I met her on my first week in Sydney because Brother Ghislain of the Taizé Community recommended that I get to know her. She has been organising Prayer Nights using the songs from Taizé for a few years. She was working then with the Sydney Catholic Archdiocesan Ecumenical Commission and had a column at the Catholic Weekly called Better Together. One of her main interests was writing. And, even now as a septuagenarian, she still manages to write and has contributed her article with her congregation’s news magazine called Brigidine Bulletin on its first issue this year. She had a health issue late last year but after a successful surgery, has fully recovered from it.
We exchanged stories about our activities and our lives during the last few years. During our catch up, it felt like we have never been away from each other. Our friendship has remained strong. And although our age difference is almost two decades, our friendship has transcended that. We are still able to share our common interests.
Yes, it is possible to develop friendships with people who are much older or younger than us. The relationship actually enriches both of us. Sometimes, l feel sad that some people I know are not able nor willing to go beyond age brackets.
Being shortsighted, narrow-minded, blind-sided by age and overly exclusive in our friendships will only hamper our opportunities to experience real and deep friendships necessary to live our best lives.
Real friendships are necessary elements in our personal growth and well-being. Deep and lasting friendships certainly enrich us not only socially and emotionally, but most of all, spiritually.
Have a great day!
Sr Lynne Green and Ros
Photo of a Woman with Yellow Balls by Matthew Henry from Burst