"You'll be lucky in life if you have 2 or 3 REAL friends"... or
"Folks who have lots of friends are really just collecting acquaintances"...or
"A friend in need is a friend indeed."
I've pondered these phrases a lot this week, a week that by any means of analysis would have to rank among the 5 worst of my life. I've had plenty of time, often in the wee hours of the morning, to contemplate what it means to be a friend. And here's what I've come to realize... that while I'd rather not relive this past week, there have also been moments I want to always remember, and all of these moments revolve around things that our friends have either done for us, or said to us, in an effort to help.
Friends who have called. Friends who have brought food. Friends who have sent encouraging cards & emails. Friends who have made us smile or laugh, even if just for a moment. Friends who have sat with us in waiting rooms, often for long periods of time. Friends who have filled in for us at work. Friends who have actually raked up our leaves and friends who have sent flowers. And then still other friends who have simply made themselves available, to do whatever might need doing at the moment.
Some are family or old friends who have known us forever, and some are those we've never met, who know us only as a blogger, a face on Facebook, a shuttle driver or someone they've seen day after day in the ICU.
So in the spirit of this month of giving thanks, I thank all of you, the friends in our lives, for making us feel special & truly cared for. You have forever redefined for us, what it means to be a friend.
(After a long and arduous struggle, my mother-in-law mercifully passed away on Wednesday, November 18th. We would however, still would covet your kind thoughts and prayers for our family, as we must now make some very difficult decisions concerning long-term care for my father-in-law, who is suffering with advanced Alzheimers. )
So sorry that you've had to got through all this, and you're not done. Remember, it's all part of life, and to take good care of yourselves.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great picture. You have your furry friends too.
Sending prayers for you and your family. Please take care through this tough time.
ReplyDeleteKathy, sympathy and hugs for you and your family. Here's hoping for a quick and suitable answer to your father-in-law's care. We are approaching these same situations in the near future. Hoping you have a restful week.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your challenges right now. My furry companions bring me comfort, and hope yours do too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your loss and the issues with your father-in-law. With my mother and both my inlaws in facilites for dementia right now, I truly understand the difficulties this involves.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you and yours. It means a lot to know that we who only visit through the Internet care. I am a snooper, I hardly ever leave a comment. I hope your family has a smooth transition in your father in laws life.
ReplyDeleteI just lost my mum in Mar and we are surprised my dad has made it this long. They are 500 miles west of us. My MIL in a nursing home 275 miles south of us. (We were 30 miles apart when we dated - my folks moved.) MIL is in chair and has dementia.
ReplyDeleteWe have always had strained relationships with our folks, but you are so right about the amazing ability for families to do what they need to do.
You are in my prayers as you go thru this, esp at the time we celebrate our Savior's birth. It may seem hard to reconcile the feelings, but in His Birth, we are free from Death, and we can praise Him thru our tears at this time of year.
Ann Jones