A few days ago I was settling in to make some Xmas wreaths and spend the afternoon in the “creative juices flowing” zone, when things changed suddenly. A friend from out of town, who had become unexpectedly ill while shopping, was at my door and needed help. For the next several hours, she was violently sick, but refused my calling for an ambulance. Eventually, she acquiesced to going to the ER when her husband arrived to take her; all turned out well, as she recovered from what was apparently a medication reaction.
Several things came to me out of this experience. As I spent about three hours taking care of her, I looked at how different our paths have been. She had no one to call except her husband. Since he could not be reached, there was no one to help her but me. I repeatedly asked if I could call a neighbor or nearby friend of theirs to go to their home and find her husband (since his cell phone was apparently turned off). There was no one. NO one.
Now, this situation is probably not that uncommon. Many people are introverts and many are of an independent nature, so that they don’t cultivate a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. I have always operated on the theory that my friends were my chosen family. My “Collection” of friends is, perhaps, my greatest acquisition. I spend a lot of time keeping in touch with my group of pals, and I treasure each of them. I realized that if I were in such dire straits, there would be many people to call. I am quite certain all of those I would call would come to my aid under almost any circumstance. This is a great Gift. A friend really is a Gift you give Your Self. I consider myself so very fortunate to have come across so many kindred souls in my lifetime…from my childhood and high school days through college, work, parenthood, and even more recently.
My definition of a true friend is someone who really loves you. Someone who cheers you on, comforts you in sorrow, and accepts you, warts and all. I made a list one day not long ago of my true friends. It was a long list. I am so very thankful that my path has led me to this place. I am so lucky to be Me!
BarbaraBeardsley.com 