Good Friends

1989:

Me: Hey, are you coming to my wedding?
Keith Stubbs: Nah, I'll catch the next one.

Good friends are so difficult to find. Everyone knows that, but there are some people who become life long friends, and we may not even know why.

There are certain aspects of a friendship which tells us whether or not it is a close one. The old phrase, "A friend in need, is a friend indeed.", is so true. I have a couple of friends who I could and can always count on in a time of need, and I've been able to be there for them, as well.

My wife, Keith Stubbs, Ron Ruhman and my brother, Jim, are those people for me. They have proven it, in the past. My children will always be there, as well, but I would only ask for prayers from them.

So, just how valuable are close friends? Extremely. Not only are close friends there for you, it is reciprocal. You must also be there for them. I think that's why they are so few and far between.

I do have other family members I can always count on and the thing people find hard to believe, is that it is my first wife's family. I'm still considered a part of their family, and I know that I could count on them, including my former spouse, for just about anything. Pretty amazing people.

When we're younger, we don't seem to realize how special a great friend is. We know we love them and enjoy time spent with them, and as we progress in age, we realize just how much they mean to you.

I feel blessed to have all of these people in my life, and I hope that I can always be there for them, just as they have for me.

My best childhood friend seemed to disappear from the face of the earth. As easy as it is to find people in this cyber era, I thought it would be easy. Finally, I put an ad on Craigslist asking if anyone had seen him. His sister saw the ad and remembered me! We talked and she told me that my friend had a rough adult life and was now a hermit and an alcoholic.

I couldn't help but feel guilty that I didn't stay in touch with him and be there for him when he needed help the most. His sister gave me his number, but he didn't answer. I left a message for him, but he didn't return the call. Bummer. I guess you can't help everyone.

So, to all of you who have ever helped me out, I want to say thank you! I couldn't list everyone, but I know that many of you who read this blog have reached out to help financially, spiritually, physically to help us move, emotionally when things seemed hopeless. Thank you all. I love you.

See you tomorrow.