My family lived in four states during my formative years. There were at least five moves prior to my birth, so my sisters endured even more transitions. Professionally speaking our father was a very stable man but the promotions he received usually led to a move across the country. He was a company man. That was designation corporate employees received during the post-war economic boom in the 1950’s.

 In looking back at those years, I realize now that my mother did admirably adapting to unfamiliar places. She was the traditional stay-at-home mom. It fell her to set up a new home, get the children situated in new schools, and adapt to the emotions that still another move engendered.

The final transition my family made was to Lubbock, Texas in 1975. I was 13 years old at the time. We moved in June, so I had a lonely summer. There were no kids my age in our neighborhood. I made a friend or two when school began in August. As time went on during that academic year, I met more peers at school. At that point, my mother intervened with advice that I still follow today.

Lesson #1: My Mother Taught Me Not to Forget those who befriended me immediately.

My mother said: someone will stand up and befriend you immediately when you move to a new city. The key words are “someone” and “immediately.” People often hold back, check you out, and then choose to be your friend, as time goes on.

Therefore, her lesson was: Do not forget that special person who befriended you immediately once your circle of friends grows. She lectured me about such matters frequently!

I was 13 years old. It did not occur to me that my mother was an expert on making new friends in new cities! She knew what was talking about. She had an appreciation for those who befriended HER during the initial stages of living in a new place. She was trying to pass on that wisdom to me.

Her message was impressed on my heart. I look back at the places I have lived as an adult. There were those special individuals who reached out to me immediately when I was the new kid on the block. I heeded my mother’s advice. I find myself close to those individuals to this day.