Among Friends
April 6, 2026
CJ and Erica: Just go with the flow
From grief to friendship
In 2024, CJ was grieving the recent loss of her wife, Carol. A caseworker in her building suggested Full Life Care’s ElderFriends Volunteer Companionship Program as a way to stay connected during an especially isolating time.
CJ smiles when she talks about how they met. Carol was her neighbor, and CJ brought her coffee every day. What started as a friendly ritual became a love story that grew into 38 years together.
After Carol’s death, loneliness set in. ElderFriends offered a steady source of companionship and support, and that’s how CJ and volunteer Erica were matched a little over a year ago.
A lot of laughter
Erica heard about ElderFriends from a friend and completed volunteer training in early 2025. Not long after, she met CJ, and their friendship quickly filled with laughter.
One of their favorite memories is a drive home after viewing holiday lights, when something struck them as so funny they could barely catch their breath. Neither can remember what started it, which feels like proof that joy has become the point.
Over the past year they’ve shared walks, good conversation and CJ’s favorite hobby: thrift-store treasure hunting. CJ puts it simply, “It’s like Christmas. So much to see!” They both love reading and hope to visit Elliott Bay Book Company together, along with a future walk at Green Lake.
Just go with the flow
Asked what they appreciate in each other, CJ calls Erica “free-flowing” and “wise for her age.” Erica describes CJ as “so genuinely kind” with “a big, warm heart.”
“It’s been really lovely to be able to hang out with Erica and feel safe,” CJ said. Erica said the friendship has deepened her empathy and perspective. “I’ve learned a lot from CJ about what the most important things in life are, like making memories with loved ones,” she said. CJ agreed. “We just get out and have a good time. We don’t really think about our ages,” she said.
New to ElderFriends? CJ and Erica’s advice:
Erica: Start with a shared interest, then let the conversation grow from there.
CJ: Just go with the flow.