When my children left home, the transition wasn't easy. Like many empty nesters, I threw myself into work, picked up a few hobbies and gradually learned to live alone. I also discovered how much richer my friendships could become. Some stretch across decades. Others arrived much later. Some are there for life's biggest moments, while others quietly make ordinary days better. Together, they filled spaces I never expected them to.

Susan Gianiodis, of Orchard Park, says you've got to have friends.

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