You Got a Friend…

blueflower
Friends, like flowers, make me happy.

My friend became very sick one night at home.

Her husband was out of town.

There was no one to drive her to the hospital.

So, she drove herself across town at 2:30 in the morning.

She was sick and alone for hours at the hospital.

What?  You didn’t call me??

When we, her friends, heard about this we were aghast.

Why didn’t you call us?  One of us would have driven you there and stayed with you!

She responded that she did not know if it would be OK to call one of us.

It made me think about friendship.

Who Can I Call?

Who can I call in the middle of the night for help?

My friends know that they could call me and I would come.

My friends and I give each other flowers, cards, and gifts.

We treat each other to lunch, or coffee on special occasions or “just because”.

Humming in the background is the knowledge that we are there for each other.

wp-1479754288134.jpg
Tulips from a friend.

My friends are  family.  My friends are my rock.

I know that I can count on them just as they can count on me.

I don’t worry if they are “true friends” or my “best friends” or my “real friends”.

By definition, they are true, best and real.

 

A friend is a friend.

Others are acquaintainces…important but often fleeting.

My friends bring joy and substance to my life.

Friends go the distance.

Who would  you call at 2 A.M. for help?

‘Home is the place where, when you have to go there,
They have to take you in.’      from  “The Death of the Hired Man” by Robert Frost

Friends chose to take you in.

 

 

 

37 thoughts on “You Got a Friend…”

  2. This is a really great piece! I believe sometimes we are so afraid of imposing on others that we sacrifice ourselves instead of asking for the help we need. Reminds me of my teaching years when I would go to school sick instead of getting a substitute for my class. Thanks you for this. I reblogged it on my Facebook page.
    Dwight

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  3. Friends….they cherish each other’s hopes. They are kind to each other’s dreams. (Henry David Thoreau)…….Your blog reminded me of this. In times of need we should indeed not travel alone. Blessings and thanks.

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  5. Wow, Lori, that’s a good post, and something we all need to be reminded of. But note that Robert Frost has the wife answering her husband, “I should have called it something you somehow haven’t to deserve.” The difference between the stereotypical farmer and his wife.

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    1. I rarely need to call upon my friends because so far I’ve enjoyed good health. However it is a comfort to know that they are there. During my husband’s long illness I learned the value of friends and of course family.

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  8. I understand this completely. I have friends, and then I have the smaller group of what I think of as my “3 a.m. friends” — the ones I could call without hesitation, any time. I am so aware of them, and so grateful.

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      1. Yes, though my daughter and partner live nearly an hour away, I wouldn’t hesitate if I was in a jam to yell for help, no matter what the time, day or night – and they would be upset if I didn’t…

        Liked by 2 people

  11. Hello ,Lori. In my 70 plus years I have always been so healthy and the one who runs around others. Last year following a ghastly accident (I call it my adventure) I found out who my friends were. Yes, there are those I could call on at 3 am when the night was too long and the morning too far away. Of course, I have my wonderful daughter and daughter-in-law from heaven, and as I have sisters on the other side of the world, my night was their day so I could always call them.
    Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog. I have reposted this blog on
    http://www.http::/growingyoungereachday.wordpress.com

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    1. Hi Judith, I am sorry that I am a bit late in responding to your comments. First, I am sorry about your accident but I hope that you are doing well now. I am glad that you have your wonderful daughter and daughter-in-law and your sisters. They sound like angels! Second, there are so many things that we need when some calamity befalls us or a loved one. There are so many ways that people can help…in little and big ways and just being there. But, for whatever reason some people don’t want to be involved, can’t be bothered, etc. How sad for them as they miss the joy and connection of bonding with their friend in need. Thank you for reposting on your blog. You seem like a wonderful lady. I wish you the best!

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    1. Hi Sharon, I agree with you that when it’s easy it doesn’t count. Fair weather friends are not worth much when the world is falling apart. That is when we need those who will go the distance with us. Take care and enjoy your weekend.

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  15. Thought-provoking, Lori. Of course I would want any number of my friends to be able to call me in the middle of the night if they needed help … but would I feel comfortable doing the same? I hope I never have to find out.

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    1. I hope if that unfortunate time ever comes, that you do call on them.. Think of how you’d feel if they didn’t call on you when in need.. I used to struggle when making the call for help or support until one of my friends got really angry and hurt that I didn’t think I should because of the wee hours of the morning.. And she put it to me just that way, “How would you feel if I didn’t call you !” Well that put it in perspective for me.. The fastest way to hurt a friend, is to show them ( no matter how unintentionally ) that they are less of a friend than you are to them.. Even though I didn’t believe any such thing, my lack of reaching out sent that message..

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      1. Yesterday I had this exact same conversation with one of my dearest friends. It is true that one of the surest signs of a good friendship is having the trust that they will be there for you when you need it … and vice versa.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Yes, I agree that it is a sign of friendship. My Husband learned that when he was dying. He had to rely on others. It was difficult as he was always the one taking care of others. So, yes, I will remember to give others the chance to be helpful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. It is good to consider another person’s perspective. Most of us appreciate the chance to show our “better selves”. Thank you for sharing your viewpoint on this issue. Have a great day.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Yes, I have good friends who helped me get rides to work and follow the towing truck. My family of grown children are ones I feel most comfortable “imposing on.” Funny, I would do anything for my friends but feel a little out of my comfort zone calling them, Lori.

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    1. I am coming to understand that our friends do want to be called on when we need them. It is hard to do but I will make the call. I hope they will call on me when they need a friend.
      Thank you for reading and commenting on my post. Take care, Lori

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