Friends
Who is my friend?
The proof is through what they do and what they don't do.
The person who doesn't want justice for me.
The person who can't hear me when I cry.
The person who doesn't understand peace.
The person who is entitled.
The person who lets me starve.
The person who is okay with me living in fear.
The person who hits me.
The person who doesn't care if I live.
The person who doesn't see me because of my color, my gender, my ethnicity, my race, or my personal belief.
They are not my friend.
Who is my friend?
The person who speaks up against injustice.
The person who comforts me in my despair.
The person who doesn't make 'Drama' in my life.
The person who lets me go through a door first.
The person who shares their lunch with me.
The person who checks in with me to see if I'm okay.
The person who hugs me without asking.
The person whose life would be dimmer without me.
The person who celebrates my life, who I am, who doesn't need to change me.
They are my friend.
To be a friend is both the most tremendous responsibility as well as the simplest.
True friends may not see each other for decades, but when they come together, it's as if no time has passed.
This bond, this relationship, is the outward manifestation of an inward purpose.
That purpose dramatizes our actions and inactions with each other.
That purpose is the true meaning of love.
True love and true friendship don't mean no boundaries.
True love and true friendship mean that we consider each life, each person, an individual worthy of respect, consideration, life, and love.
Friendship ends when respect for boundaries is crossed.
Yet friendship is ever-growing and will continually change.
Friendship leaves open the door for redemption even up to the last second of life.
Friendship is symbolized by the open hand.
Is your hand open?
Open to those around you?
To the stranger?
To yourself?
Who are your friends?
Peace
Daniel J Frey aka Toby