Friends for Life
Some friendships take years to develop, while others seem to arrive when you need them most. For June De Vivo and Sandy Borcherds, a game of canasta at The Somerset Lifestyle Village in Somerset West was the beginning of a friendship that has blossomed into a very special partnership; after all, friends are the family we choose for ourselves.
Sandy had already been living at The Somerset for several years when June arrived. Both women had lost their husbands and moved to the village in search of a new chapter in their lives. June was keen to learn canasta, so she joined one of Sandy’s lessons. Before long, cards were being played, plenty of laughter was being shared, and a friendship was taking shape.
Their friendship really gathered momentum when they decided to attend a 1960s-themed evening together. Naturally, this meant a shopping expedition for wigs and outfits – and it seems that was the point at which they became inseparable!
These days, there is hardly a day when Sandy and June don’t see each other. They play cards, go shopping, enjoy meals together and generally do what good friends do: have fun and keep each other company. They also run the Village’s popular monthly bingo evenings, with Sandy doing the calling while June handles the money. Between them, they make quite a team.
Their friendship has even traveled beyond The Somerset. Recently, they enjoyed a Mediterranean cruise to Venice together, following a visit to Sandy’s family in the UK. Sharing a cabin and a king-size bed for a week proved that they really are close, although Sandy’s early-morning “Wakey, wakey!” and the occasional restless-leg kick certainly added a little excitement!
What makes their story particularly lovely is that neither expected to find such a close friendship at this stage of life. Sandy arrived determined not to sit at home alone and joined in with village activities. June took a little longer to find her feet, but eventually stepped into that canasta game. And the rest, as they say, is friendship history.
When was the last time you made a new friend, just because you both love the same thing? Whether it’s a hobby, a book, or an adventure! It’s easy to get cosy with familiar faces. But what if we spice things up and literally step out of your front door at The Somerset into The Lord Somerset Clubhouse? A new friendship that could spark inspiration and ignite growth might be a hallway away, whether it’s your next bestie or a brilliant idea! To read more, click here.