I am a taproot.
The definition of a taproot is they are somewhat straight and very thick. A central and dominant root from which other roots sprout.
No question, I do sit and stand very straight. Definitely thick. I seem to be the dominant root in keeping “my groups” together.
Early on I would be the arranger or social director for group lunches, Friday’s at four (or five). I always seem to be toward the top of phone trees and always seem to know how to find or contact those with whom others have lost touch. I have a strong memory for names and faces, which can be a blessing and a curse.
As an example. I went to a small, three grade school when we moved to Oregon. I made friends and had many memories even though we were only in the neighborhood 18 months. Fast forward from grade 2 to grade 10, I was so happy to see some of the faces missing for eight years only to be embarrassed when they had no memory of me.
In my 22 years living in Aloha, OR, I had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances having spanned three varied “careers” and having boys involved in school, scouts and numerous sports. And my friends are dear to me. I hold them close in my heart regardless of their address. When we moved to Washington in 1998 my oldest friend in the neighborhood arranged a farewell party including many of my friends she didn’t really know. Taproot… now Trudy is close friends with several of my “other” friends.
Six years ago we traveled to Peru on a tour with 38 strangers. 40 people bonded quick and sure in the 9 days we were together. We were from all over the US, Canada and some from Europe and Taiwan. I have mailed baby blankets to Toronto and Switzerland as a result of those friendships. I send Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah cards to several. We visited one in Zurich, another in Orlando. In October we reunite with two of the couples on a trip to Greece.
I have a similar plan in the works with those we met in Italy in 2016.
Two years ago we moved to Ovation from DuPont. We had a close neighborhood circle there for many years that gradually frayed away with moves to Florida, Arizona, Michigan and then our defection to Lacey. We all still care for each other but it is I who arrange the dinners and get togethers. I have also kept the Florida link secure in our circle and see them when in Orlando.
Sometimes I question why I always seem to be the one reaching out, to maintain these friendships but now I understand.
I am the taproot.
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