Good Friends...

I have not had many friends in my lifetime, but as I get older I realize more and more how important it is to have good friends in your life. I have been going through a very rough patch the past couple of days.

However, I have this wonderful, loving friend who has helped me tremendously. He is a very special person, always there for me, always just a phone call or email away. When the terrible news came down, I emailed my friend and he was right there. No, it isn't anything like that; he isn't after me or anything. I am not his type. ;-)

Last night is a great example of what a good friend he is. I had not slept in two days and when I lay down to try to sleep last night, sleep just would not come. My kids were still up, they are pretty distressed over this trauma as well.

I tossed and turned a bit, then I picked up the phone and called my friend. It was 11 pm, but he picked up the phone and the first thing he asked was how I was doing. He asked if I was unable to sleep and I said yes. He then asked if I wanted to go get some pie from Kramer's. Not once did he chastise me for calling so late and there was not a hint of anything in his voice except for concern for a friend.

So, at 11 pm the kids and I found ourselves getting dressed and heading out of the hotel with him to Kramer's. We all laughed and talked and I actually had a good time. With all the worry and upset, it felt good to laugh with a friend and my kids. We ate way too much, but we had a good time. When we returned to the hotel a couple of hours later, we all promptly fell asleep.

I am a little tired today, but it is OK. Going out last night beat lying in bed, tossing and turning, thinking of everything going on in my life. It got my mind off of my problems and for a little while I didn't feel so upset.

My friend is a very special person. It feels good to know that I have someone who is there for me. I only hope that I can be as good a friend to him as he is to me.