Homegrown friendships complete the circle

World Enders and us at Red Rocks

Parents measure their children's success in the world in so many ways. Achievements at school and work jump to mind, but there are also benchmarks in the activities they pursue; think sports and hobbies. Our role is to make sure our children are open to the world, so they can see all that's there. More difficult, but perhaps even more important, is opening the world to our children, so it doesn't overlook their value.

The measure I'm enjoying most as my children age is becoming friends with their friends. (Even those hooligans who once blasted wall-rattling music or came up with crazy ideas like riding bikes 170 miles to Cedar Point.) At this point, I appreciate that they are all remarkable people, and in being with them, my children have formed tribes that are steady, supportive, and foundational. Ready to stand ground when trouble comes riding in.

My older son still enjoys long weekends with his high school friends, Jeff, Chris, Jason, and Brad. My daughter has never ceased regular (dare I say relentless...) contact with Emily, Anne, Dima. And my younger son has carried longtime friendships with Mark, Tom, and Miguel into his work life for the past 15 years.

The wonder of all those relationships is that we are a part of them. Our children's friends have embraced us, and we have returned the embrace.

My husband and I are awash in this same feeling each year at Red Rocks when a couple hundred members of the “World Enders Fan Club” (a sampling pictured above) include us in their revelry at the Lord Huron concert. Of course, our son doesn't know most of these people personally, but they have formed a bond with each other that is based on the band and so envelops the band members as well.

The happy surprise is that it envelops us, too.

Friendship has so many advantages that scientists at the Mayo Clinic think having friends must have some evolutionary benefit, such as a positive impact on brain development and even on long-term health. Friends boost your happiness, lower your stress, improve your self-confidence, help you cope through hard times, and raise your sense of purpose. Phew!

Strong social connections keep us healthy and happy. I'm in!

Of course, making and keeping friends takes effort. But, oh, the rewards.

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