My dad was pretty much a loner. I mean, he had his friends but didn’t label them ALL as “friends” but mostly as acquaintances. He always said, well you’ve heard it before…his take on having a friend being like having a dollar in your pocket and what happens when they wrong you. I always have his words in the back of my mind but I also allow people in, especially those who I feel worthy of my friendship and me of theirs. I have many friends from different chapters of my life and they all remind me to be grateful for all that I have because it can be gone in the blink of an eye.
This weekend I went to visit a vibrant and beautiful friend inside and out who ended up in the hospital. I despise hospitals especially when I think back on the tragedy and loss I’ve experienced there. The only good I remember from the hospital would be the two precious children I have. That, of course, seems to soothe my anxiety and the agony of going to hospitals very easily. Taking the trip to see this person during her hospital stay meant that I considered her a friend, even though she has often invited me out to eat and I “never have any time.” This time, I took the time to pay her a visit that was very much needed, not once but two times, and for a long span of time during this inclement “spring” weather!
Taking the time to see this friend brought me to the realization that all of these friends that I may not see every day (there’s one who lives in the same borough as me who I haven’t seen in years!) or speak to on a daily basis still hold a place in my heart. They allow me to see the good in people and allow me to let my guard down even though we don’t visit often. They also remind me that life is way too short and I believe they know regardless of how busy I am, I always have their back because I am right by their side when they truly need me!
I am grateful to all the people who I have met through the chapters of my life and who have remained labeled as a “friend” to me. They have more of an impact on me than they will ever know. Hopefully this post is proof enough for them to know that they have touched my life in more ways than one. Not everyone is worthy of our friendship nor is everyone friendship material, but those who have remained in my life (they know who they are) always have a place in my heart and I know that they are aware of it. Regardless of how busy your schedule is, take time to let your friends (those who really matter) know how much you care not only with your words but by your actions as well. After everything is said and done, friendships truly make the world go round…and the meaningful ones stay with us for a lifetime, like that dollar in your pocket that’s there when you need it most.
Care to share: Shout out an awesome friend of yours and tell me why they are so great!
[…] Paris will not play a role in how we choose to live our lives and the choices we make when making friends. I want them to recognize greatness in those who come to the aid of others in their time of need. […]