Friends

Written by Pistol Pete Wednesday, 02 June 2010 11:40

How many people claim to have friends: real friends? There are those we work with or are neighbors, but are they really our friends or just acquaintances? Will the one’s who inhabit the cubicle farm sit with another when they are sick and lying in a hospital? Will they give you a hug when it’s obvious you are feeling down and troubled about something? Or do those “friends” keep a distance, not wanting to ‘pry’? The big question is: Will your friends take a bullet for you or shove you out of the way when a car hops the sidewalk so they take the hit? Will you do it for them?

Real friends are few and far between. I have but a few real friends that I would lay down my life for and that I trust to do the same for me. The first, of course, is Jesus. He already did that for me. Then we go with my wife and just a few others. My wife, among other things, kept me alive and sane during a horrible period. I wouldn't be here without her. She is my rock. And besides, we’ve been real friends for 30 years. I have another real friend for longer than that. But there is no particular order of importance when the call for sacrifice may come. There are some who have thrown themselves on a grenade to save their comrades, or others who run through a burning building to save a life. I’m not saying I wouldn’t put my life on the line for those who are not my friends or even strangers, but there are a tiny few I consider my real friends. You can love someone but not like them. You can like someone but not love them. I both love and like my friends.

I have one very dear real friend who counts on me for many things and has for more years than is necessary to list. We have been very close. And like her with me, I count on her to be right where and when I need her. It’s a sacred bond I cannot explain, but maybe you’ve experienced it yourself. Recently I went with her for an MRI. She wanted me along for moral support and of course I was not about to say “No”. I have never and will never say “No” to her when she needs me for whatever reason because we are the best of real friends eternal. We are held together through trials and tribulations. And if she just wants me to visit and gab, I’m there. I am her champion, her knight, and I will never abandon her. I would give my life for her without a second thought.

I have another real friend who I had worked with and still talk with each week who confides in me and me with her about certain stuff. The level of personal relationship is different, though no less caring. We have cried and laughed together and we have opened our souls to each other and are very close. We trust each other to give the other one strength. I was sent to her years ago to be put on an enlightened path. It worked and I would also give my life for her without a second thought. There are a tiny few more and each relationship has its own story and all of them are very important in the direction of my life.

With real friends things are completely open, warts and all. You laugh together and you cry together. You feel sorrow in each other's losses and rejoice in each other's gains and you just like being around one another and your heart is laid bare. You open your soul to them and them to you. When you open your soul to someone, that is the true mark of friendship and not to be taken lightly. With other friends you may stay a little reserved around them, but that doesn’t lessen the importance in both your lives and it's OK to cry with any of them when the time comes.

When you have met or meet a real friend you will know them and they will know you. There is no mistaking that bond and it will never wane. Don’t let any of them go out of your life without them knowing they mean the world to you. With some, you will mean the world to them too.

PP
6-2-10