Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness.
Euripides
Today, I sat quietly in a chapel listening to a man pay his last respects to his best friend. I sat unusually still. This gentlemen had me captivated from the moment he took to the podium. The man shared stories, jokes, quips, and quotes of his beloved friend. He was spoke on behalf of his best friend's family. He spoke from his heart. He made me laugh. He made everyone laugh when all they wanted to do was cry. As I sat there listening, I asked myself if I would ever have the strength to do the same for my best friends. I cried just at the thought.
I truly believe that we never truly know how strong we are until we are faced with doing something we thought we never could. Even the gentleman speaking didn't know if he would be able to get through his testament. As he continued, I kept asking myself if I could ever be as stoic as this man before me. My question goes unanswered. I'm not going to lie. I would like to think that I could do it. I would like to think that I'm just that strong. But I'll never really know until the time comes, will I?
Finally, I look over to my best friend of 30 years and asked her if she thought we would ever be able to do that for each other. Her response? "Well, you won't have to because you're going to die before me." HAAAAAAAAA! I fell out of my seat laughing. Hence, this wonderful thing Sandy and I share that we call friendship.
Ahhh!! Now THAT is LOVE!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right my friend...you don't know how strong you are until you have to be. And when the tme comes, you won't recognize your strength..you'll only do what you know you must.
ReplyDeleteIf I go before you..your crazy asses better not be stoic. You better be laughing until you cry..and are a complete hot mess. Then crack open the cases of the wine that I've pre-purchased for your convenience, pop the corks and party on!!
Xoxo
Go ahead and stock us up now, MeganMc.... just so we'll feel prepared.
DeleteLiz, it really is special what you and Sandy have! The person that I would have called my absolute best friend died 9 years ago at the age of 42. It was the worst thing I ever had to go through and although I laughed at the stories that were told about our nut headed adventures, Im not sure I could have stood up there and told them. Cherish each other (I know you do) because you never know when they will be gone in the blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Mellanie - I always say to live each day to your fullest - you never know how long you, or your loved ones, have :)
DeleteLiz - we're friends?
ReplyDelete