I've recently realised that; when we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.
This piece really struck a cord for me. Having moved recently from a lifetime in Winnipeg to Toronto, the friendships that were so deeply essential remain close to my heart but now at a distance. Sob! . Lucky we have a few of our Winnipeg friends here to share and support each other. Your new year message begins on a high!!! Thank you
I love this. I struggle with maintaining friendships. Having moved 29 times throughout my life, I'm so accustomed to endings that I anticipate them even at the beginning of a friendship. The intimacy of friendship that would evolve over time is too risky. How sad. However, your piece is very thoughtful and I'm reflecting on it.
Enjoyed reading your thoughtful piece about essential friendships. As I age I increasingly grateful for those knowing and easy relationships which seek no worldly advantage. What a relief they are, a balm for the soul.
My grandfather and father kept a signed photo in their shared office taken with Bob Hope when he visited Milwaukee in the early 1960s. My grandfather, Frank Ladky, met Bob as a young vaudeville producer and they remained life-long friends. Who, besides Bob Hope, is that in the photo you included?
I've recently realised that; when we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.
This piece really struck a cord for me. Having moved recently from a lifetime in Winnipeg to Toronto, the friendships that were so deeply essential remain close to my heart but now at a distance. Sob! . Lucky we have a few of our Winnipeg friends here to share and support each other. Your new year message begins on a high!!! Thank you
I love this. I struggle with maintaining friendships. Having moved 29 times throughout my life, I'm so accustomed to endings that I anticipate them even at the beginning of a friendship. The intimacy of friendship that would evolve over time is too risky. How sad. However, your piece is very thoughtful and I'm reflecting on it.
Philip,
Enjoyed reading your thoughtful piece about essential friendships. As I age I increasingly grateful for those knowing and easy relationships which seek no worldly advantage. What a relief they are, a balm for the soul.
My grandfather and father kept a signed photo in their shared office taken with Bob Hope when he visited Milwaukee in the early 1960s. My grandfather, Frank Ladky, met Bob as a young vaudeville producer and they remained life-long friends. Who, besides Bob Hope, is that in the photo you included?
This may seem flippant but I don’t think so .. https://youtu.be/NZY5b9kC8YE?si=qM8gjc4B47-z-nU3
Enthralling Bravo
Women find friendship easier because they are less closed in than men, I think.
Your best … better than Kindness
This is good. I will think about it.
Yours,
G. A. Nuttall
What a lovely,profound essay!
Thank you
Julian