Friendship

I was reminded last week of just how very fortunate I am.  In addition to a loving wife, wonderful kids, and rambunctious and smiling grand kids, I have the very great fortune of a friend for life.  Not the BFF of insincere texting hyperbole, but a real friend -- the friend -- of more than 50 years.

The friend who has put himself out there for me, assisting in odd ways, such as driving one of our vehicles across the country from Virginia to California on what was definitely not a pleasurable journey.  Three and one-half days on the road, food poisoning, crappy motels, even crappier food were endured.

The friend who provided a shoulder on which I could lean after the passing of my father.

The friend showed up unexpectedly to help celebrate my retirement, only to be treated with disrespect by the Major General who officiated at the ceremony.     

The friend who always opened his home and heart every time we passed through our home town during the 30 years I spent in uniform as a Marine.

The friend who shared laughter in that unique way available only to the closest possible friend.

The friend who knows all the failures and successes in my life and judges me not.

The friend who introduced me to the gal who is now my wife.

The friend who is an extension of my family, like a brother.

The friend who shares my passions for family and motorcycles.

The friend with whom I've shared many adventures, including those with our motorcycles.

The friend who was there, even when I wasn't, during extended absences around the world.

The friend who welcomes my mother into his home.

The friend with a work ethic uncommon in today's world.

The friend with a sense of humor that can always get me laughing.

We encounter countless folks as we travel through life, calling some friends, though the relationships last a few years.  I am so very, very lucky to have a best friend who I have known since the 1950s.  Grade school.  High school.  College.  We shared the phases of our lives in a closeness that is truly exceptional.

Whatever else may have been accomplished in life, this friendship is a jewel.