How nice when a friend becomes a real friend. Today one such person helped me so much, by giving his time - that is the most generous of gifts. It is easy to "write a cheque" or promise a favour, but to give one's time to a friend is the ultimate choice.
We all seem to have more "friends" than ever nowadays - how one can call unknown Facebook faces - friends, I do not know. They become trophy friends only. True friends, especially those we have known a long time are even more important than family. We choose or are chosen as friends, but stuck with family members.
Emmerson said that we need "...to be a friend to have one" which is so true. In reality I have just a few friends. They are not all local, and sometimes keeping in touch is difficult for me (because of the telephone). People say the real test of friendship is whether you can "carry on where you left off" however long the time gap is. Yes, I would agree with that.
But for me, the real friend is someone you feel able to telephone at 3am with an emergency, or call at their home without a prior arrangement. One with whom you can talk privately and confidentially, and the friend who gives you their time.
Thank you dear friend - for your time.
