It is amazing to see who is truly your friend and who is less than such. For many years I measured friendship in presence, presence in hardship, presence in fun-times and in medium times. The truth is that I still consider presence, or being there, a hugh part of friendship. Not the only part though…of course general kindness is another factor.
But when one becomes hospitalized with a life-threatning condition, and depends on others to take care of him or her, the word friendship takes on not only a new set of meanings, but also it becomes a driving force for survival. Doctors and nurses become more than just such, they become your friend almost instantly. Even without any history between the patient and the personnel. Further, the people who are your family and closest friends reveal themselves as such better than ever. One example of this is my best friend has chosen to take on an active role in my care-taking. Not to say though that we won’t just be hanging out most the time. This type of fortification of friendship is beyond remarkable and nearly will drive one to tears. Such kindness is amazingly reassuring.
Without it I could not see one surviving such ill times as easy. Speaking without such kindness, many people choose to distance themselves from the patient. In my case, it has been several people real close to my heart. This show of disregard measures up to what some may deem a destroyer of friendship, or simply put, a betrayal. Though such behavior is highly present in the world of the sick and ill-fated, it should not be so with love ones. Understandable happenstance aside, if you claim love for another…then you should be there not only to enjoy the good times with him or her, but also claim the seat next to them in ailment. Such as to proove ones loyalty, love, and commitment. With such done, the patient, once pulled through, has the honorable obligation to be there for the people who were there for him or her. Thus, this system creates a support system that strengthens peoples lives and makes a community more of a family.
To those who have not been there for your loved ones, just remember it is not too late ever to attempt reconciliation. May God be with you if you are such a person and may your attempts to redemption be fruitful and gain you stronger friendships
“To those who have not been there for your loved ones, just remember it is not too late ever to attempt reconciliation.”
How sadly true. I try to tell people this, after discovering it myself upon my Father and sons passing, but as you might imagine, few seem to heed the advice.
Your blog has, so far, been quite touching. But have I missed something, or have you not said what your health problem is? I suppose it doesnt really matter, but after all my experience with sickness and hospitals, it is something that comes to mind for me.