What I Really Know About Telling the Truth AARP Bulletin
What I Really Know About Telling the Truth - AARP Bulletin
Telling the Truth
About 20 years ago my old high school friend began a slow retreat from the world. She rejected her “stupid” siblings, eventually becoming estranged; she argued with her grown sons, alienating them permanently; and she found reason to dislike nearly every friend and acquaintance, old and new. I recognized her depression early on, broached the subject infrequently and carefully, but never took the risk of making it clear that her future would be dark, painful and lonely. I didn’t want to argue, so I discussed the issues tentatively at best. I didn’t want to tell the truth. Now my friend is critically ill. She has little income, her relatives avoid her, and her sons are cold and aloof. I am her only friend. And I live 1,500 miles away. She asks me how she became so vulnerable and estranged. Now I tell her what she’s done, though I realize it’s probably too late. I should have told the truth 20 years ago when I could have made a difference. The AARP Bulletin's "What I Really Know" column comes from our readers. Each month we solicit short personal essays on a selected topic and post some of our favorites in print and online. Lee Warner is a reader from Valdosta, Ga. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
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