Tag: Friendship

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My Friend is Gone

My day began with sadness, as a community recalled the life and legacy of Jean Fonville.  A woman of tremendous faith who devoted all she had to her husband, family, church and to her God. Her best friend of 45 years, and Godmother to her daughter said sadly, “My friend is gone.” Her gentle conversation mingled with tears, sorrow and disbelief spoke volumes of a relationship that span not only years, but every connected moment. Moments built on joys, challenges, and the inevitable cycles of life cemented in their love for one another. The statement, which briefly sounded so final, open the door to a moment of realization, as she said one day we will see each other again. Losing a loved one is never easy. Thoughts of past experiences enjoyed gives way to the knowledge that those moments, or others like them, are forever lost. But as her friend said to me with complete confidence, I know I will see her and the next time will be different for both of us.

As I ponder her comments, and those of my dear friend of many years, I wrote in my journal, ” The legacy of lives brought together by a single act or [encounter] forged a bond that is broken [momentarily] by death. The next time Jean and her friend see each other it will be like the ending of the story of the prodigal son, what was lost is now found.  Her dear friend is gone, but oh what a glorious reunion awaits them.  Rest in peace Jean.
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Friendship

A sudden call in the middle of the night; a moan; a cry of disbelief, and then the slow walk into the “valley of the shadow of death” echoed through the room.  Reality and shadow merged, and the question why is uttered.   The sudden lost of a friend hits hard, and when it does your spirit and soul seeks a place of refuge.  A place that makes sense when the floor beneath your feet feels like sinking sand.  As news of the sudden passing of our friend came, the community that knew him gathered to comfort and console one another.  There were memories of past days of fellowship, fun and friendship.  Conversations that began with  “remember when he; remember when we;  remember, remember, remember…. The inevitable sighs, and strained moments of laughter amidst the reality of lost, and what will be never be again.  Then tears, sadness, and pleas to gather more frequently, to share and celebrate our lives together.   

Friendship is a powerful thing that connects and unites us to another human being or circle of individuals.  It is mutual values, experiences, common interests, or special ties which creates a bond sometimes stronger than family relationships. Friendship generates community; a sense of belonging to something or someone.  Friendship forms love.  

The abundant life includes friends whose purpose it is to share their life with you and I.  Yes, friendships are a wonderful thing, but even more they are blessings from God.