every so often, i get really ticked off at Facebook, and how it seems to have stolen the depth from our relationships…hitting the "like" button instead of having a conversation with a person and telling them you're happy about whatever they're posting about, or "friending" someone…there's one that gets me scratching my head every so often. mostly, i go with the flow and straddle the New way of being a friend, and kickin it old school - the way in which 2 people actually answer their phones when one calls the other (and one actually does call the other).
But once in a while, there is a person who's courageousness as a friend is so deeply unbelievable, that it shames the whole Like and Friend process…the depth of their commitment to another friend, despite the heartbreak it causes them, is so unnaturally sweet and wonderful and amazing.
I know such a person. Actually, i have a few people in my life like that. But the one I'm thinking of here…
i'll fast forward to the past year. a woman from our same high school, and very close friend of my friend…is dying. she has a week - maybe - to finish saying good byes. Throughout her illness (and it's been a very long journey) my friend has been the Go To…organizing fundraisers, driving her friend to appointments, holding her hand, no doubt drying tears. She has been there. always. always. always. and though her own heart aches and screams as she watches her friend slip away, she stays. i have no doubt she'll be there till the very last moment. it would be easier to post a quick Love Ya and Like, then bury her head in a busy schedule in order to shield herself from the monumental hurt of letting a dear one go. but she doesn't. it is the hardest choice. the hardest. and i commend her for that choice, and i am a coward compared to what she has given. i hope to never need to pull that strength from myself, but please know that - for you - i would find a way to be your Go To if you need one. I will learn from my friend how to love as deeply as necessary, and then double it. and i pray that there will be a reward of grace and peace for my friend for all she has given of herself these past months, years. and for all the Go To's …may your hearts be soothed, and your sleep peaceful. This I wish for you.
1 comment:
This is lovely and very thought provoking - and deserved so much more than a like. I'm sure you'll be that kind of friend if needed and all of your special people are very lucky to have you.
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