Friend

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Don Maul's "View From The Road"

Friend
May 7, 2003

Almost lost a friend last week. Too close a call. One of those unexpected heath incidents that shake and sadden. You swear, ask why, and seemingly hold your breath waiting for more news. Emotions range from concern to curiosity. From helplessness to…even anger. No… anger may be too strong of choice. But, when a compatriot “goes down”, there is a momentary sense of confusion and an insecure future. Guilt be damned, my guess is we all sense these feelings occasionally in our lives. The strong step up and fill the void, treading water until the stricken friend eases back into the mix of everyday work and life. Makes me think of farmers, gathering to help a friend and neighbor “get the crops in” during a time of need. Perhaps that is the silver lining we look for and need from life’s tragedies big and small. It feels good to help and to care.

As happens to many of us, friends and work can become an amalgamation. That means different things to different people. For that matter, the very word Friend can and does mean different things to all of us. For me, it is not about the number of years you have known each other. In this case, it is what you have to offer each other.

The subject of my ramble is on the mend. Unfortunately, I know little of his progress, save second hand news. He is my friend, I’m pretty sure he would consider me the same. This is a complex kinda guy. Scary smart and multi talented. He challenges me and gives me the opportunity to stretch my mind and expand my vocabulary. I work with him and for him. At times a bit aloof and sometimes austere. Outspoken, insightful, creative…appreciates dry humor…jeeze, all qualities I like and enjoy! We pick each others brains like a chess match at times.

So… he is down. I suspect he will be back. I can handle any physical limitations or changes. But I miss the weekly opportunity to have an intelligent conversation about any damn thing we wish.

I almost lost a friend last week, but I didn’t.

Call or write your Friend today. You will be a better person for it.

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Don Maul is a midwestern traveler, vintage shoedog, and trained observer who is never short of an opinion. Email Don: dmaul@woh.rr.com

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