It is without fail that I wake up every morning to my mother's voice in my ear reminding me of something she thinks I might have forgotten. Today it is the one about "If you can reach the end of your life and count all your friends on one hand, you are blessed." Once more, I can see the wisdom of her words. She defines a true friend as someone who carries you in their heart. Someone who knows your deepest secrets and will take that secret to their grave. It is someone one that you can call after months or years of absence and both of you are happy for the call. Someone who knows the good and bad about you and accepts it as normal.
And this morning I counted. There is one in Kansas. One in Missouri. Those 2 go back to the Red Carpet so they are my oldest friends. Now that Renate is back in my life, I realize that makes 3. John Tenorio was #4, but he passed two years ago and has not been replaced. His brother has pretty much filled that vacancy because I can bitch and moan to him and tell him my thoughts without him thinking ill of me. Number 5 is solid. I met him when I first came to Colorado and we have remained friends for all these years. Now let me tell you about this friend.
I do not talk to him very often, but we both know we are just a phone call away. And I know I can count on him to understand. He was one of my first phone calls when I lost Kenny. He called when his dad died and again when his mom passed. Our first conversation in several years occurred about my Anthony two weeks ago. He kept jumping ahead in the conversation with "Did you get married again?" "Are you going to get married?" When he heard the outcome of the story, he was devastated as I knew he would be. He lives in a pollyanna world where good things happen to good people. That is not so in the real world. The real world hands you happiness and just when you think it is alright, you learn it is not. And that is why we need friends.
So, momma, if you are up there, and I am sure you are you need to know that the scrawny little brown haired girl you raised to be a full grown woman actually listened to you. I do very little in this life that is not influenced by things you taught me when you thought I was not listening. Your picture is the last thing I see when I leave my house. There is another by my bed on the stand where the Bible should be. I remember to cherish my friends. I do not lie, steal or cheat. I try to treat everyone fairly. I do not let my left hand know what my right hand gives away. I love my fellow man.
I try really hard, but some days life just sucks.
1 comment:
To have friendship requires that first one must be a friend. That requires effort and persistent attention. I'm basically a lazy person. I'd rather read an article or book than do the work of "being there" for others. I guess my mom didn't give me as good of an upbringing as yours. Luckily, I have one friend that I also love more than life itself, who satisfies every need, each and everyday. I am thankful that the universe has provided me with such a precious gift. Today I will offer prayers of thanks for a life partner who is also my best friend. Thanks as always for sharing your wisdom and life experiences. 💟
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