You've Got a Friend in Me

You've Got a Friend in Me

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down – Oprah Winfrey

I think Oprah Winfrey says it best; a true friend is there when times are tough, because it is really easy to be a good friend during the good times. Let's face facts, being a great friend is a lot of work. I mean you really have to remember all your friends' birthdays, (which are way easier to remember since I started using Facebook) call your friends when they are sick, bring them food when they are really sick, go to the hospital to visit them, be there when they need you listen to their problems, and the list goes on and on ...

Being a good friend is a lot of work, because only a good friend will receive friendship back. One of the things I have learned in my life is that there is nothing more important than surrounding yourself with good friends and good people. When times are tough, you need people. Period.

If somebody tells you they do not need a good friend, guess what, they probably don't have any good friends. There is a good reason for not having those friends, probably because they are selfish and lazy. Friendship takes an effort, it is a job, it is a lot of work, yet, it is so worth the effort. ... I work hard on my friendships, calling people all the time, being there when they are sick, when they lose a loved one, or just need a friend to listen to them. I have learned that you can tell when somebody is a true friend, not when times are good, not at all, but when times are really bad.

When my son was in the hospital for many, many weeks, I learned who my good friends were, and unfortunately, who were not. People texted me, called me, and came and sat with me. I am not talking about sitting in a room chatting amicably, not at all; my son was so sick that the slightest sound disturbed him. My friends came and sat in silence, whispering prayers for my son. They brought food to the hospital; they gave prayers, and ultimately gave me strength.

Some people say hospitals make them uncomfortable, what a lame excuse; of course sickness and death make people uncomfortable, but it is a fact of life. Those of you who did not call, text, email, visit or pray – shame on you. In this day of modern technology, it is so easy to send a simple message and the sentiment is so much appreciated.

Please remember to take five minutes to call or email or text or visit a friend – it is so worth the effort. Most importantly, I want to thank all of you who are my good friends and tell you one simple thing – you've got a friend in me!

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