My Friend Hana

My Friend Hana

Moving to a new area can be challenging at the best of times. And, if you include the fact that I was a recent widow, makes it even a bit more challenging. Besides learning to live with a new man, I had to learn where all the best shops were, where I could take Ty for his daily walks, and I think most importantly, make new friends.

I realized that one of the major adjustments was not knowing anyone (besides Ken) and that I had been missing my girlfriends! Where I lived previously, I was fortunate to have had several friends that lived within ten minutes of my house. Also, there were numerous parks, and all the beaches in the area that stopping and having a lovely conversation with strangers, was all part of the fun of taking Ty for his daily walks. I really miss that little guy.

Then, one day as I was walking Ty in my new neighborhood, everything changed! Just as I was about to start tearing out my hair and wondering, “What am I doing here?” I made a new friend.

Ty and I were walking up the street from our house and Ty was insisting on walking on the lawn in front of one of the houses. Just then, a couple came out of the house. I immediately started yelling across the lawn that I would pick up any doggie poop that Ty might leave on their lawn.

When I look back at that experience, I think I came across as a crazy woman! After repeating “I will pick up any doggie poop,” as I was waving an empty blue doggie bag at them, they both started to smile.

We introduced ourselves and had a lovely conversation. One of us suggested that we go for a walk together, so we then enjoyed a nice walk around the neighborhood. Little did I know that I had found a new friend, and a great friend at that! We exchanged phone numbers and agreed we’d go for a walk together soon.

A few days later, I stopped and knocked on their door, and Hana opened the door. She was delighted to see me and agreed to go for a walk. It was the beginning of a lovely friendship. And it was just what I needed.

Since that day we have become great friends. It’s quite amazing how similar our attitudes about life are. Both of us are delighted to have found each other. The best way to sum up our friendship is to say we are simpatico. I couldn’t have asked for a more kind, generous, amusing, intelligent and fun person to have in my life!

Nowadays, my life seems richer and fuller, because I have a friend that I thoroughly enjoy, and we have endless conversations on a variety of subjects. And, we laugh a lot! Plus, Hana loves thrift stores as much as I do. It doesn’t get much better than that. 😊

It’s been about two months since Ty passed away and I know that having Hana as a friend has helped me a great deal at this time in my life. I hope all of you have a friend like Hana in your life.