Friends
Let me stipulate that family is an amazing unit and the love of family is uniquely human and wonderful. This week I am writing a short note in recognition of Friends. Especially real friendships. I don’t me the “let’s do lunch” friends, I mean the friends that actually “do lunch” metaphorically speaking.
I had many experiences this week which underscored how important friendships are in one’s life. This group of friendship experiences ran the gamut of the contributions real friendships bring to one’s life. A friend……
Introduced me to an organization that could advance my speaking engagements
Roasted and made a special blend of coffee just so I could try it.
Had dinner with me and my sons to talk about life and plans
Took over for another friend in an expensive obligation
Bought coffee
Sent me unique ingredients for my smoothie to help my hair grow.
Called to see how I was doing
Told me I sounded truly happy, which I am - nice someone else noticed.
Went for a walk with me
A friend called because I was the friend of the week. He was determined to reach out once a week to a friend he had not seen
The list goes on and it was only this week. We all have a lot to do, but we also have friends. It is hard to fit it all in, but fit it in we must. Without friends we lose support, assurance, affirmation and a unique form of love that reassures us that we belong and are not alone….
A Time to Talk
When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don’t stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven’t hoed,
And shout from where I am, What is it?
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit. Robert Frost 1874-1963
The Pleasures of Friendships
The pleasures of friendship are exquisite,
How pleasant to go to a friend on a visit!
I go to my friend, we walk on the grass,
And the hours and moments like minutes pass. Stevie Smith 1902-1971