A Lifelong Friendship: From University to Parenthood

‘Our conversation feels honest and vulnerable as only the product of experience and introspection can be. How did we leave it so long?’‘Our conversation feels honest and vulnerable as only the product of experience and introspection can be. How did we leave it so long?’“You look upset, how can I make you feel better?”

In our mid-20s, we abandon the safety of university for real responsibility. Our last shift together is in emergency, rendered forever unforgettable by her mother who checks the roster and sends me food. Eating under a moonlit sky, we might have mused about the future of our friendship, but we were young and not making any promises.Our 30s are a decade of childbearing and rearing. I am the first to gain and then lose a pregnancy. Well-wishers send flowers; she turns up with counsel.

From those tumultuous years, I remember one harrowing fact. Every week, without fail, she visits her mother, whose fallen mind is tragically followed by absent speech. Communication with this once vital woman is impossible; one can only guess whether she registers the presence of her daughter let alone her grandchildren. The visits are traumatic and there are a thousand justifications for avoiding them.

This year, she turned 50. We have a winning formula for birthdays, or at least she does. She picks something from the Booker prize shortlist and “since Mum won’t know”, skips the gift wrap. I ask her what she wants, she says let’s go away. Phone reception is mercifully patchy. , we set out on a hike, the track a metaphor for our long friendship: up and down; trying and easy; restorative and beautiful. Our conversation feels honest and vulnerable as only the product of experience and introspection can be. How did we leave it so long?

Education Education Latest News, Education Education Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Adelaide's university merger backed by state opposition, with promises of more Flinders fundingThe opposition said the merger was 'too big to fail', but also flagged their own commitments should they form government after the 2026 state election.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Pressure on Labor to Reverse Policies on Foreign University StudentsLabor is facing pressure to reverse policies that make it easier for 'lower quality' foreign university students to stay in the country and work, as a surge in student numbers raises concerns. The number of foreign student visas reached a record high last year, while international student numbers are at unprecedented levels. Experts argue that changes to policy settings are necessary due to the ongoing rental crisis.
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »

People in Vietnam and Cambodia have more faith in democracy than Australians, study showsNew research from a leading university has uncovered shifting attitudes towards democracy among Australians.
Source: SBSNews - 🏆 3. / 89 Read more »

Anger can lead to better results when tackling tricky tasksTexas A&M University researchers say findings suggest using negative emotions as tools can be effective
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »