Friends Who Care

Over the past few months I have slowly been growing in my friendship with a pal, George, who attends the same church fellowship as I. After yesterday's service he invited me out for lunch and a trip around a local marina. We both share an interest in sailing boats and motor yachts. His wife left him for an older divorcee some years ago, so he understands keenly all the feelings of emotional destruction that I have been experiencing lately.
I talked about my plans to overnight in my car from Mondays through Thursdays, and of driving down to friends in Green Cove Springs for the weekends. George's reaction was the same that of my best local buddy Esteban - "No way. I'm not letting you. You can come and stay at my place for free."

"Dude, I have barely a few Dollars to scrape together. There is just no way I could pay you or anyone else a decent rent payment. I just don't earn enough." I explained. "So  I just refuse to be a burden."

"I don't care" He replied. "You're not sleeping in your car."

So now I have three friends close by, who will help me to survive this marital disaster. Wow, I am grateful. It is wonderful to know that there are still people out there who care about you, even though the person whom you love and used to trust the most has been praying for your death and can't wait to see the back of you.

George showed me his father's old motor yacht, which is in dire need of a total overhaul. The boat is pretty big - over forty feet long and broad in the beam. George actually lived in the old tub for six months at one stage. Despite its poor condition, the vessel's dilapidated interior evokes a pleasant feeling of nostalgia.

After walking around the marina and chatting with one of the "yachties" who welcomed me to join him for a day of sailing at any time that he goes out in his twenty-eight footer, George suggested that we go catch a movie. We enjoyed a humorous time of viewing "Tower Heist". I recommend it if you fancy a few laughs.

I paid for a couple of beers at European Street Cafe after the movie, and George and I discussed, bachelorhood, life in general and the strangeness of the way that women think and behave, and how it seems that more and more women, particularly those in their forties, are jumping on the divorce bandwagon and leaving their men.

All in all I had a great day. Initially I wanted to take my son to the park, but he was eager to play with a friend for afternoon, so Becca agreed to collect him from his friend's house at the end of the day. She was actually happy that I was having a good time. I appreciate the way she allowed me the time out.

I'm beginning to believe more and more that I'm going to be okay.

I believe that I can actually allow myself to enjoy being single again once Becca's gone. It seems almost too self-indulgent to consider it though.