“Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who came and stayed by you side when you needed them most.”
–Unknown (at least to me)
Like everyone, there have been times in my life when I needed a friend. Once, in my late teens and early twenties, no one came and stayed by me when I needed them most. People I thought were my friends were too busy to visit me in the hospital when my lungs were broken or in my home when my heart got broken at about the same time by a fiance’ who decided she loved someone more. I learned a painful and important lesson from those experiences.
I became a better person and a better friend. Years later, when my daughter was fighting for her life in intensive care for weeks and I needed a friend. One was there and heped me to to get through everything.
I like the second situation a whole lot better.
I was lucky that I’ve had multiple experiences to find who my true friends were and who were merely card-playing fair-weather buddies. That allowed me to make adjustments to myself that led to attracting true and loving friends and a soul mate partner/wife into my life.
So, I’m grateful for those excruicately painful, awful, terrible times, and hope they never happen to me or any of my loved ones again. But when the inevitable storms come, I–and they–will be ready, and stand by each other’s side until the storms pass and the sun shines again.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Oh Russ, that is beautiful. Good friends are so very important, I’m very lucky that I have two, which I’ve known since school, I truly would be lost with out them – hopefully they can say the same about me. Thanks for sharing x
Thank you! I truly believe that true friends are priceless. And you have at least two. That makes you very rich in my book!
Russ
Be the kind of friend you want to have…very powerful story…thanks Russ
Thank you, Diana.
Russ
We do become better and more compassionate people by learning as you did what the difference is between a real friend or a ‘casual’ when everything is normal friend….I learned it through the many years I suffered with depression….Diane
I enjoyed your comment, Diane.
Russ
So true Russ. Good friends and family are what make life worth living. 🙂
Yes they are. It’s even more wonderful when family members are also good friends!
Russ
In those dire times it can be a surprise who is there for you. Really nice piece.
Thank you.
Very good post, Russ. Unfortunately I haven’t found these priceless individuals. I’ve met great mentors, unique characters, but not what you might define as “true friend” – or, I expect a little too much. I ask if I’ve given and done enough for others too. I guess it’ll take time and experience for the answer to emerge.
I know that can be sad and frustrating, but I also learned that sometimes a person is a good friend without me even knowing it, and it is only when life’s storms rage that I’m able to discover that they were a good friend all along. I focus on being a good friend to a lot of people and I don’t focus on judging who my good friends are. I figure that my judging won’t change anything, and that my best chance of having a good friend is being a good friend.
Russ
True frienship is a blessing, if you are lucky enough to find it…sounds as though you have though Russ 🙂
I agree, Michelle. True friends are one of life’s greatest blessings. I’ve found that being a true friend to kind people has increased the number of my true friends and made my life better. Like any relationship, it helps to start with people who have qualities I admire and respect, and kindness tops my list.
Russ
My dad tried to explain to me at a young age that “true friends” can be counted on the fingers of one hand. I didn’t understand at the time. But like you, I do now. And I cherish those special “few” ♥♥♥ Wonderful post….appreciate your sharing ~
Thank you, Paula. I know what you mean. My parents sure got smarter as I got older!
Russ
I’m hopin’ it works that way for my kiddos, too! 🙂
LOL! Me too!
🙂
I love this post Russ. I have come to realise that one sign of a true friend is not only that they are there in time of need but that they are there in your time of victory and success – and are cheering you on the loudest! I do believe you are that kind of a person to your friends Russ. Sharon
I agree, Sharon. I know that you are that type of person to your friends too. They are lucky to have you as their friend.
Russ