Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tuesday's Tribute- Friends & Acquaintances



This Tuesday's Tribute I am tributing friends. What do you think a friend is? I know Webster has a definition of a this truly allusive creature:(friend. frend/noun supportive and respected associate. esp. one for whom affection is felt. ally: kind person.)
A very wise and honorable man (my dad, Big R) once told me that during life's hardest trials you will find out who your real, true friends are. In today's terms, it is like separating the men from the boys, if you will. I have had the fortunate and unfortunate opportunity to find out who my friends really are and who my acquaintances are in these past months. Some folks, I must say, have really surprised and disappointed me with taking a back seat as an acquaintance. Others, not so much.

You see, I am a Labrador in a man's clothing. I tell you I am your friend. I am. I do not take friendship lightly. Friendship is a badge of honor and pride for me. I will defend you like family. Come to your aide even if I have no money to offer. I would never leave you to your own devices to flounder in the emotional sea of uncertainty because you grow ill, lose a job, go through a divorce or any of the myriad of unsavory things life can throw at you. No, because you are my friend and I care about you, your family and your well being. I guess you could say I treat friendship with a very mafioso manner. That is just me. It is how I was raised and it is how I will die.

So today I outwardly thank you friends. You know who you are. Those who call from near and far to see how I am, to see if they can help. Those who stop by to say hello and see if there is anything I may need. Maybe take a few moments of their busy day to grab a sandwich or chat over a beer. Those who e-mail support with leads and ideas. Thank you!!!! It means the world to me to know you care and consider me as a friend. I promise I will always do my best to reciprocate the kindness, love and friendship. A reader of mine Amy shared this quote with me. "Friends are the Family you meet along the way."

To my acquaintances, you are always welcome around my campfire because that is who I am. I will still come to your aide in a time of need, because that is who I am. For the record, unemployment is not the Swine virus or any other contractible disease. We are going to survive this very rough patch in our family's time, and rise like the Phoenix to be stronger, better people and friends for the experience.

Tuesday's Tribute

Keep on Rockin' in The Free World, Peace

9 comments:

Claremont First Ward said...

What a wonderful blessing it must be for your true friends to be able to call you one.

Friendship can be such a wonderful thing. I often wonder why some people are such terrible ones. :)

Amy said...

Aren't true friends great! I have this quote , "Friends are the Family you meet along the way." I love it.

The Frugal Angel-Guided Psychic said...

How about this quote I was "given."

"Friends are like angels, you don't have to see them to know they are near to your heart."

Happy TT!

Tina said...

Kind words cost nothing yet accompish so much!

Thanks for sharing, your blog is wonderful and provides so much food for thought. I greatly appreciate all your kindness.

Tina

Ash said...

Oh Tony - you're definitely a cut above.

Still thinking of you, my friend.

Deb said...

this is awesome. you should attach this to your resume. people NEED men like you working with them!

although, you really don't have to, because it takes somebody who merely has a pulse to see what a great guy you are!

yes, friends are family, except in my case. my family drives me insane.

Halftime Lessons said...

Amen to all that, friend, and very well said.

As always, hoping only the best for you and your family...things have gone from bad to worse at work here, I very well may be in the same boat soon.

But we always have our friends...

Jay

Bill said...

Well said My Friend

Ann On and On... said...

You got that right! I am amazed by the outcome when I'm in need.

Thank you for sending this to me. You sound like someone I would like to call my friend.