OLD FRIENDS

A few minutes ago I wrote and published another essay (eventually called) WHEN LIFE LOADS YOU DOWN. Calling on a friend for help in such a situation made me reflect on old friends and WOMEN AND FRIENDSHIP. Generally, I am thinking and writing about friendships that have endured the test of time.* 

Recently the singers Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers recorded a new song "Old Friends". They wanted, if for no other reason, to acknowledge publicly their long friendship with each other. It will be especially nice, at an upcoming awards ceremony, when Kenny Rogers will be honoured for Lifetime Achievement in the Music Industry, for Dolly to sing this song to him in appreciation.

As the song says, Old Friends aren't made out of new friendships. Old Friends are people who have stood together through many years. They have also been companions to each other through a large part of each other's life journey.

Through 'thick and thin', meaning through good and bad times, they have been present for each other.

A FEW THINGS ABOUT AN OLD FRIEND: 

SOMEONE WHO LISTENS - no matter how long it takes you to say what is on your mind. The old friend listens, and hears, whatever it is you have to say, as well as, what you mean but have not put into words.

SOMEONE WHO IS THERE FOR YOU - whether in good times or bad, an old friend is someone who has been present in your life and has invested their time and energy in you.

SOMEONE WHO KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS YOU - and miraculously accepts you as you are anyway.

SOMEONE WHO TRUSTS YOU - confident that you deserve and have earned their trust. 

SOMEONE WITH A LONG MEMORY - and a who forgives you when you need it, and conveniently forgets your failings in front of others. 

SOMEONE WHO HAS YOUR BACK - not only does your old friend accept you, but also, loyally defends you unconditionally.

SOMEONE WHO KNOWS YOU REALLY WELL - and therefore gives you their attention, and often their advice, based on what is the best course of action for you to take.

SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU ANYWAY - accepts you as you are...and loves you despite/because of who they know you to be. 

SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE FEELING IS MUTUAL - each of you knows they can count on the other person unconditionally and always.

MAY WE ALWAYS DESERVE OUR FRIENDS. BLESS THEM ALL.



*Just after publishing the original essay, I took my own advice and sent a copy to a dear friend of mine. Again, taking my own advice, I tried in some small way to tell her that I appreciate our 41 years of friendship.