“Good Friends are Like a Loving Hand on Your Heart”
by Lawrence King, Director of Education, Chaparral Community Association
I recently celebrated my 80th birthday with a surprise ‘open house’ organized by my wife, son, and daughter, who flew in with my son-in-law from Ontario for this special event. It was very meaningful for me, with over fifty family and friends in attendance. Why do I tell you this? It made me realize just how important family and good friends are and also reminded me of an article a friend sent to me several years ago. The author is unknown.
“A newlywed young man was sitting on the family porch on a hot humid day, sipping ice tea with his father. As he talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look on his son.
“Never forget your friends,” he advised, “they will become more important as you grow older. Regardless of how much you love your family and the children you happen to have, you will always need friends. Remember to go out with them occasionally, do activities with them, call them and keep them involved in your life.”
“What strange advice,” thought the young man. “I just entered the married world. I am an adult and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need to make sense in my life.” Yet, he obeyed his father; he kept in touch with his friends and annually increased their number. Over the years, he became aware that his father knew exactly what he was talking about.
In as much as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a man, friends were the bulwarks of his life. After 60 years of existence, here is what he learned. Time passes. Life goes on. The distance separates. Children grow up. They cease to be children and become independent. As they become more involved in their own lives, they spend less time with you. Jobs come and go. Illusions, desires, attractions weaken. The heart breaks. Colleagues forget the favours. The parents die. The races are over. However, true friends are always there, no matter how long or how many miles away they are. A friend is never more distant than the reach of a need, intervening in your favour, waiting for you with open arms or blessing your life.
When we started this adventure called life, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrows that were ahead. We did not know how much we would need from each other. Love your parents, take care of your children, but keep a group of good friends. Dialogue with them, but do not impose your criteria on them.” – Author unknown
Until next time, remember that good friends help make sense of your life and are a cherished gift.
