Thursday, May 14, 2009

My Friends


While I've been sick, I've discovered that I have more friends than I thought. Some friends would come see me wearing a surgical mask, or bringing soup with no msg, if they could. Some friends try to distract me with tales of movies they are watching (which I've never heard of), or painting projects they've been doing. Others remind me that they are down too, but still offer support.
I had to work last night, because I couldn't find a replacement. I found out that one of my co-workers never stopped trying to get a replacement for me, even though I was already there. After 2 1/2 hours, she found someone to take over for me so I could go home. And after returning home and crawling back into bed, another co-worker called and told Cute Hubby (who was taking all calls) that he would take my next shift so I can get some rest; he even cried a little. Cute Hubby is very impressed with that guy, I can tell you. So I looked up the definition of friend:
One attached to another by affection or esteem. One that is not hostile. One that is of the same nation, party, or group. One that favors or promotes something (as a charity). A favored companion. A member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war - called also a Quaker.
I'm not actually thrilled with any of these definitions. I don't think they really nail what a true friend is. So here's mine:
A true friend is someone who knows you are really sick because you have misspelled something. Someone who doesn't call, because they are afraid of waking you, and you need your rest. Someone who checks in on you, even though you don't know they've been there. Someone who will take your load and never expect anything in return, except your friendship. Someone who makes you tea and looks at you as though you are truly beautiful, even though you have dark circles, a red nose, & cough like a troll. A true friend is someone who will wait for you to catch up, because they know you will, and never complain that you are slowing them down.
Well, it looks like I'm feeling up to typing, anyway. Guess I better go see about leaving some comments. xo

13 comments:

James Jean said...

True friends are so hard to come by, but you hold on to them when they are there. Don't worry Diane, in due time, you'll be laughing about this week :). Get well and keep drinking your soup

Unknown said...

True frieds are a precious treasure, but as time went by i've realized how lucky I am to have some really good friends and some average-ones as well...honestly, they can be really helpful too!
Get well!

Prunella Jones said...

Are you eating lots of garlic? I just had the flu too and I think garlic and tea with lemon were the biggest help.

Feel better!

Girl Interrupted said...

The fact that you have so many caring friends says a lot about who you are, Diane :) Glad you're feeling a bit better xxx

WendyB said...

Sounds like you have some awesome friends! Thanks for dropping by my blog.

Slyde said...

true friends are indeed hard to come by, but worth every penny to keep..

hope you feel better...

diane said...

JFK Jean: I'm laughing now, in between the wheezing and coughing.

XAVS: Your post today really touched on the importance of who we really are, and what our priorities are. It's good to know you have true friends who love you even though you have imperfections.

Pru: Cute Hubby made me some tea. But I think it was the immunity boosters and musinex that helped me beat this thing. Oh, and sleep, lots and lots of sleep.

Girl I: I'm holding you to a virtual road trip, mark your calender.

Wendy B. and Slyde: Welcome. Your presence on my blog is a testament to the power zibbsy holds over all of us. D*mn him.

drollgirl said...

you have some amazing friends, which means YOU are an amazing friend. :) i hope you are feeling 100% soon. until then, DON'T PUSH IT!!!

A BIT COQUETTISH said...

Aw, your friends truly are so sweet =]

I hope you feel better!

Bisous,
La C.

Cait said...

That was a really a sweet post. & a lot to think about friendship, as well. You do have some wonderful friends there.

Thanks for the note. I'm glad I got Parker moving in..just in the nick of time. Naturally. Well, maybe.

Vic said...

I'm glad you're my friend! (even if you DO insist on living so far away from me...*pout*)

Anonymous said...

aaw Ur friends and co-workers are so nice :>> I dot have friends who would bring me soup or even call if I´m feeling better :z U are one lucky girl!

Mark Kreider said...

A lovely definition of a "friend". Right on the mark!