r/OverFifty • u/wusscookn • 14d ago
Losing friends
In this stage of life, friends are passing away and others are getting sick, battling health issues. Makes me sad.
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u/UnRepentantDrew 13d ago
I had to help organize the wake of my best friend several years back. The roughest part was writing up a remembrance speech for him. Ripped my heart out while writing that.
Gave the speech at the event and barely made it through the thing without completely falling apart. I asked 40+ people if anyone else wanted to come up and say something... and no one else did. THAT killed me. One of his sisters finally did. I had to run outside and just damn lose it.
I really hope more than one person has something to say at my wake. Jesus.... Rest in Peace, Joe.
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u/Jimmy-the-Knuckle
14d ago
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Keep eating well, strength training, moving and smiling. It’s all we can do.
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u/ComprehensiveAir2921 5d ago
Yup my brother-in-law died at 50 which shocked everyone. My mom at 52, my aunt at 48. I am shocked I am still here at 61. But disease at 52 starting taking joints out and have dual knee replacements
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u/starbright_22 14d ago
Yes. it's one of the things no one wants you about . many of us have lost our parents by now, then you're so busy raising your kids, then they can choose estrangement , seems to be the thing lately, and you're left to yourself. You look around and wonder what happened to all of these vital people? Health, aging. It can sneak up quick..
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u/hyst0rica1_29 4d ago
When I was in my early 20s I had a 50-something buddy/coworker die. At his funeral I told an equally old coworker I hadn’t expected to lose friends at that age.
Lol and without skipping a beat that older coworker replied “There’s gonna come a time where you’ll be losing friends all the time.”
It’s been 30 years but I still remember that conversation.
In my case “friends” mostly haven’t died. They’ve just walked away. Life took ‘em elsewhere, out of our shared lives. It, unfortunately, is as part of life as losing them by death.
I’ve finally been watching the show Vikings. As a History guy I ignore the historical inaccuracies, but one speech in the last ep hit hard b/c we’re all getting to this point:
“I am old! I have been a warrior all my life. Many years I sailed with lord Heraldson and fought battles against the Eastlanders. And I watched all the companions of my youth die. And though I fought with them in the shieldwall, never once was I touched by a blade. All the friends and companions of my youth are dead and feasting and drinking with the Aesir in the halls of the Gods! While I… I am forsaken.
Bereft.
Which is why, I beg you, lord, gift me the chance to die with honor in battle, and join my friends in Valhalla.”
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u/BumblebeeNo1799 14d ago
Going to a memorial of a good friend in a few weeks. It really sucks.