“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”
― Muhammad Ali
Where would we be in life without our friends? They are the ones who entertain us on nights out, counsel us in hard times, walk the road of life alongside us and on many occasions supersede our spouses in our everyday life. I am more than lucky in the friends department, yet on occasions I can take friendship for granted.
Last weekend I faced a big problem. It was Friday night and, as I posted the other day, I was not feeling well, to say the least. On top of the awful anticipation of developing a full blown twenty four hour bug, I had a major worry, I was due to attend a swim meet as coach to a group of young swimmers the following morning at 8.30 a.m. I’d been pre-warned that it was to be an exceptionally long day, approximately nine hours long, due to the event being over prescribed. As I lay there thinking I might die, I wondered about those young swimmers. What could I do?
So I texted someone who immediately, and I mean ‘immediately’ texted back they would cover it. Even though they’d never been in that position before. I lay there still dying, but incredibly relieved.
Later I heard the phone ring. Another amazing, very much under appreciated friend rang, my now traumatised other half, to say she had everything in hand. She had called in another friend of mine to relieve her, so that could travel and be there for the young swimmers. She had also sorted the day after for training, instructing me to worry not, just get better.
Only I was concentrating so hard on trying to stay alive I’d have cried when I was told. To have all your worries taken away when you are unwell is a wonderful feeling.
So now the joy of having a public blog, (I knew it would come in handy some day) is that I get to officially thank those people who stepped up and made a difference when I was so very much below par. Thank you Fiona, Kelly and Ray. I so appreciate your kindness and it’s official, I owe you.
Image by Caren Pilgrim.
My thoughts on a page. 
Sounds like you have some amazing friends. You are very blessed, indeed.
Yes I do indeed and last weekend I really understood how lucky I was.
I miss having that kind of friend. I had them when my kids were little and I lived in Los Angeles. Now that they are grown and i live 19 hours of driving away from them, we have Facebook images and status updates and not much more. Enjoy your friends. Treasure them. And don’t ever move away!
Oh you must miss them hugely, but I suppose your family have now taken up some of the spots and of course your grandchildren.
I love the quote Tric. It says a whole lot. And I suspect there are many of us who don’t quite ‘always’ pay attention to the friendships we have. But oh do we need them.
I cannot imagine a life without friends.
Me either.
Life is hard without friends that are close by. You’re blessed to have some wonderful friends so close.
I sure am Deb. To have friends to call up at a moments notice for whatever reason is such a great part of my life.
that is beautiful. friends keep us afloat.
Don’t they just Beth, preventing many a drowning.
No argument from me. Friendship really is one of the biggest things that make life worthwhile. Where would we be without our friends?
I’d be at home looking at my other half and wondering ‘is this it?’. My friends give us time apart and as a result we end up half liking each other. 🙂
I have stopped by your blog a few times and always love what you write. Today, was no exception – friends who are like family are a real blessing. And, just gotta say…good on you for coaching swimming. We love our swim family 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Michelle. My apologies for such a late reply but I’ve been off line a bit recently.
I can’t imagine getting through all I have in life without the help of wonderful friends. Equally I can’t imagine enjoying life as much as I have without the friends I’ve had to share the fun.
You can’t beat the swim family can you?
Don’t take for granted your friendship, not everyone is worth to be called a friend but it seems there are some in your life that are just that friends you can depend on at anytime and at the drop of a hat.
Agreed good friends are more precious than gold and deserve our appreciation.
I know a lot of people but I have very few close friends but my friends are ones that like my brothers we are thatclose. And have been through thick and thin with me.
https://bklynboy59.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/reasons-to-be-thankful-everyday/
Having great friends like those you spoke of is truly a great blessing. Keep em close and be just as awesome right back! Have a great day ☺
Friendship really is a two way street. And definitely I find I enjoy giving just as much as receiving.
Awesome 🙂
You are very lucky to have such great friends Tric.
Real friends are the family, as we have been choosing ourselves.
Yes Irene and it’s always good to see what great choices we made when we chose our friends.
Some wonderful friends have helped me so much the last few months … They have also supported my husband as he supports me …
When life is less than a bed of roses friends really can make all the difference. A couple of years ago one of my closest friends young boy became ill with leukemia. It was a dreadful time as we, her friends watched from the sidelines, as I am sure your friends do for you. It is hard to watch a friend struggle when life is hitting them hard. I wrote a post trying to let her know we were there for her. I’m sure your friends feel the same way for you. If you’d like to read it it’s here. https://mythoughtsonapage.com/2013/08/22/a-post-from-the-shore-to-a-friend-in-rough-seas/
I hope the next few months are a little easier on you.
Thank you…
Amazing!
I eenjoyed reading your post