Scrolling through Reels on my phone as I took a break from working and writing, I came across an interesting interview between a host, whose name I didn’t catch, and actor, Kevin Bacon. They talked about acting, various roles, and such, but there was a question that seemed to not only strike me but also the actor.
The host asked, “You’ve developed friendships with the people you work with, but what happens when the project is completed? Do you remain friends after that?”
Bacon contemplated that question, then shook his head and said, “That’s what’s so frustrating to me. Even depressing. On the set, whether it is a play or a movie, we become close. We’re family. And then when it’s over, everyone goes away. When I was younger, I didn’t know how to handle that. I mean, we were friends, I thought. But some, I’ve never heard from again, or if I did, it was at some event or show and we pass each other and say hello. I didn’t know how to handle that.”
“But surely, you made friends in the business, right?” the host asked.
“Well, yes. I met my wife while we worked together, but there are others who just left and I never hear from again.”
“That must hurt.”
“Hell, yes. Like I said, we spend weeks, even months, together. We develop a bond, a friendship. We’re like family. And then,” Bacon raised his hands and finished, “then nothing. I didn’t know how to handle that at first.”
I made me think back to my forty-nine years in education, both full-time and part-time, the places I’ve been, and the people I worked with, laughed with, and hurt with. And many of them are gone, much like Bacon described. The set was finished, the project done, and they moved on. In my case, I changed jobs or cities and schools, and some people I thought were friends aren’t anymore. Never hear from them again. Gone.
Now and then, I look them up on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, and I reach out and reintroduce myself with a wish to connect, but many times, it is ignored. Yeah, it hurts.
The longest I’ve been in one place, here in Virginia, Kim and I hear from very few. Very few. I am in touch more now with friends from grade school and high school, which is fun. I enjoy that and I look forward to hearing from them or seeing their posts. Some were reacquainted from the books I’ve written or the blogs I write. That is satisfying.
But what of those who are or were more recent friends? Not so much. Some is certainly my fault. I got caught up in my life, my work, and my family. Writing has kept me busy- thankfully so. Kim and I do a great deal together, and that’s always a good thing. We do quite a bit with my two daughters, their husbands, and our grandson. Even thinking of them brings a smile to my face. Yet, I miss the friends I’ve made over the years.
This might be a guess, but I bet Bacon and I aren’t the only ones this has happened to. I think many of you reading this might have similar experiences. I wrote a post for this blog on February 13, 2023 titled, Like Boosters on a Rocket and as of this afternoon, there have been 372 views. It seems like it hit the heart with quite a few of you.
The essence of that post is that some folks aren’t meant to journey through life with you. Some come along and help you at different times over the years, while others remain friends seemingly forever. It’s just that I wish I had more of the latter. Perhaps you do too. I would love to hear from you on how this post hits you. Something to think about ...
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Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is now available in
paperback and Kindle. An Audible is currently being worked on. You can find it
here:
Amazon Link: https://tinyurl.com/25w95xcn
Barnes & Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-y-700-ii-joseph-lewis/1146257565?ean=9781685135379
If you want more of the backstory to Black Yéʼii (The
Evil One) check out my previous book, Caught in a Web,
which is available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible. You can find it here:
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2GrU51T
Barnes & Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/caught-in-a-web-joseph-lewis/1128250923?ean=9781684330249
I also want to remind you that Fan Mail is
now available in Audible format, as well as Paperback and
Kindle. You can find it here:
Audible Link: https://audiobooksunleashed.com/product/fan-mail/
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3eNgSdS
Barnes & Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fan-mail-joseph-lewis/1142543281?ean=9781685131685
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