When Dan turned 60, we threw a birthday party. Having recently overcome some daunting health issues, this birthday was cause for celebration, and Dan invited 124 of his significant friends. Fortunately, we smoked a huge amount of meat, because instead of the anticipated 60 or so people we thought would show up, we had 104 people on our farm. It was an amazing day and a tribute to the importance of friends.
For the past few weeks, Dan and I have once again been facing distressing health situations, and again, our friends have been by our sides. While Dan was in surgery recently, and despite my declarations that I was fine, four dear friends came to the hospital. They patiently listened to me chatter about nothing and provided hugs, smiles, and their own hospital experiences. When word came that the procedure was successful, our dear friend Thomas offered a prayer of gratitude.
A nurse appeared to guide me to recovery, and Dan, one of my friends, suggested he stay to help. I blithely refused, but after twenty minutes of wandering the hospital halls desperately trying to find the correct exit and my car, I realized I should have accepted the help offered. My sense of direction is dismal, and when it is impeded by anxiety and speed, I tend to panic. Later, I called that friend, and he said he and his wife debated overruling my decision, and I encouraged them to be more insistent next time. Friends remember the adage “a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
Some friends last a lifetime, while others might be friends for just a moment. Sunday, Dan and I were stopped at an intersection when we saw a woman’s large bag of groceries break open directly in front of a car. The light turned green, and the woman was using one hand to attempt to control a frisky small dog fighting the leash while using the other hand to madly scramble for the groceries. It was in a desperate and dangerous position. The man whose car was directly in front of the woman got out of his car in the traffic, helped her gather her groceries, and then escorted her safely to the sidewalk. It was an affirming display of humanity, a momentary friend to one in need.
Friends are secret weapons in times of stress, multipliers of happiness in times of joy, and confidants in times of decision. Surrounded by grace, we echo back to them, completing and multiplying an ever-expanding circle. Recently, our four-year-old grandson was overheard saying, “Daddy, I love you as big as the world, and I love you to the garbage can and back!” May your friends grow and be nurtured, as big as the world and even to the garbage can and back.
Cindy Arp, teacher/librarian, retired from Knox County Schools. She and husband Dan live in Heiskell.
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