Action Step Five: Build mom a friendship base

If you are starting from scratch, seek out senior citizen activities in your community.
In Troy Michigan where we come from, there is a senior citizens group that meets every Friday from 11 am to 4 pm. They have lunch and play bingo and socialize. This has been one very powerful way for my mom to get out and rebuild her friendship train.

Since my mom cannot drive, I have encouraged her to call one of the ladies she knows from church and bum a ride. This has worked very well for her as the two of them often go out for dinner after the day at the senior citizen social.

Another place for mom to find friends is the church community.
Our church has singles night activities, senior gatherings and functions as well as socials after mass where mom can socialize and practice her social skills.
It may take some time for mom to become comfortable with this process so be encouraging for her to go out and make new friends.

I remember when my father first passed; my mom had nobody since she spent all her time with my dad.
To make matters worse, my dad did everything for her. He paid the bills, wrote all the checks, fixed the car, washed the car, handled all the homes repairs…well you get the idea. Mom was very lost when dad passed. So, it was not easy for her to begin again without him in her life.
I remember the day she called me and asked for help writing a check. She had never written a check in her life!
You know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. That is the attitude you need to have when rebuilding moms friendship train, take it one step or visit or gathering at a time.