"You find out who your friends are..."
I have watched my friends go through some very important challenges this year. One went back to school, another started her own company, another was laid off, two friends had children get diagnosed with cancer, another found herself in a very difficult personal situation, some got married, others adopted children, one had reason to seriously contemplate divorce, some had new babies, and on and on. No one friend had it worse or more difficult than the others. But an overwhelming number of my friends were faced with huge challenges.
Many times I felt so useless and helpless for them. My funds were so tight (living off of less than $900/mo for the majority of the year) I wasn't able to give as much as I wanted to. I couldn't afford to travel. I felt very useless and worthless. But I gave as much of my time as I could. I gave myself as much as I could.
My friends were there for me so many times that I can't count how many nights I cried from gratitude. I was truly blessed with wonderful friends. In spite of the difficulties they faced, they still continued to care for me and my problems as well.
It is always a little awkward to say that I was grateful for my friends' challenges. Many of them went through things I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. But in some respects I was grateful for the opportunity to be aware of them and their needs, or to be able to serve them. It felt good to care about others, and not stay so wrapped up in my own problems.
Awwww - well, I have to say my first thought was, "Hey! Dave has that shirt!" Then I realized who it was. :) You have have a tough year, but you are a tough woman and I love that it has made you stronger.
ReplyDeleteTrue dat.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother had this cross stitch that read "A friend in need is a friend indeed". I didn't know what it meant when I was young. I do now. Those you help the most become your true friends and are likely to help you when you need it.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
ReplyDelete