From time to time, my friends and I would meet to have lunch at each other’s home or at a restaurant. We look forward to these occasions with pleasure and are always happy to see one another. We do chat on the phone in between our meetings, either to pass on some information or to find out how things are with one another.
There used to be four of us. One dear soul passed away. She was ailing for some time, still keeping the faith and never complaining. The three of us who are left carry on the tradition of lunching together whenever we can, even though we have our separate lives.
One of my friends experienced a very tragic experience when she lost her only daughter and only grandson in a vehicular accident. This was so sad for us all. The suddenness of it left us all in shock. Her elderly mother, who was becoming senile, kept asking for the children. She couldn’t understand why she wasn’t seeing them.
God has been with this friend, throughout her grief. Many of her friends rallied around her. She is such a lovely person with a very sympathetic disposition. She takes care of her mother with the help of two day-care persons. They do a good job. But Madge has devoted much time and care to her.. Despite pleas from even some relatives and others to put her mother in a home, she prefers to keep her under her care. I have expressed the view that perhaps God is giving her consolation by absorbing her time in looking after Mama as we call her, to ease the pain of her great loss.
My other friend had her share of looking after an ailing close relative as well. Her aunt was laid up for a long while and Meena had to leave her home twice a day to go and feed and take care of her. She never complained although at times it was a bit difficult, especially as Auntie lost both her legs with her diabetes. Someone used to come and help sometimes, but there were times when something would happen and no help was forthcoming. Her auntie died a little while ago, just prior to her ninety-first birthday..
These two friends of mine surely have God’s blessings. Their selflessness is a beautiful example of God’s love. They are not young. They are both widows. Their kindness and their quiet calm are a testimony to their faith in God. They were both involved in teaching and helping deprived children, who needed some extra help with their school work. I am really proud to have such friends.
Proverbs l8:24 “There are friends who pretend to be friends,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
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i loved it...i have friends who have held me up and we meet not often enough...they are the wemon who are the watchman of our lives..they stand gaurd for us and with us...i too have nursed my dad to the end and know the sadness and joy that selflessness brings...thanks for your sharing and for being the friend you are as well.....keep up the good work on the writing side too...blessings kazza..
This is beautiful. I had friends like that once - we called ourselves The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Musketeers. We didn't stay in touch. I wish we had.
Phyllis, Your story serves as an inspirational reminder of the value of good friends, service to others and of acknowledgment and encouragement; Things we all need to be reminded of as often as possible. Thank you for sharing!
All His Blessings, Mr. Bob
