I thought I had a few more years before this would become an issue. Not even an issue, really, just a reminder of impending adulthood. Three of my friends are engaged–one of them is a friend from junior high; the other two, I’ve known since elementary school. It’s this weird juxtaposition. My young friends are starting their new live together, while a good number of my older friends are struggling and watching their relationships fall apart.
I know that divorce rates are high. I know that young marriages are more likely to fail. And I seem to have plenty of people to remind me of this in case I start to forget. But god, I desperately want these to work. I want my friends to be happy. I want to believe that, even if I don’t wind up living a fairy tale, maybe someone I care about will.
I’ve never read House at Pooh Corner (please don’t hurt me), but I found the final passage, when Christopher Robin has to go off to school and grow up. It seems….relevant. At one time or another, I think we’re all a bit like Christopher Robin.
“Pooh, promise you won’t forget about me, ever. Not even when I’m a hundred.”
Pooh thought for a little.
“How old shall I be then?”
“Ninety-nine.”
Pooh nodded.
“I promise,” he said.
Still with his eyes on the world Christopher Robin put out a hand and felt for Pooh’s paw. “Pooh,” said Christopher Robin earnestly, “if I — if I’m not quite —” he stopped and tried again — “Pooh, whatever happens, you will understand, won’t you?”
