This thread has been and is about happy things. Sometimes it is a story someone shares, usually it is a picture or quote that can make us smile. Often, even when we don't recognize it, happiness can even come from terrible things.
In August 2009 I was forced to face up to my growing signs of mental and physical issues and started my acceptance on the long road to dealing with what I had denied for many years. The biggest step was accepting I needed help, and so I filed for disability to get the medical attention I was in need of.
A very close friend, who I knew for many years, came to my rescue. We were visiting, and he saw my Disability paperwork on the table and asked what was up. My secret was discovered and I ended up telling him about it.
Without a warning or second thought he pointed out that I would not be able to keep working while applying for medical "benefits". This was something I had not even thought of, and it took me by surprise when the truth sank in. Sitting there in silence, he reached out and told me that he had an extra room in his house, and that it was now my room and my house as long as I needed or wanted it.
It took 6 long years to complete my application process and get my full "benefits", and during those years he was there to keep a roof over my head and food in my stomach. There were some really rough times, but our friendship kept us going. Finally, with the long awaited "benefits" I was able to get full and complete medical help.
Now it is August 2021, and I still live with my friend. We are more than brothers and are always there for each other; we are 2 old men like the Odd Couple. We have decided (Or realized) that or friendship was a rare and special thing that would bind us as family forever. The knowledge that as we grow older (We are both looking at being 70 years old in the face) we will not be alone, instead we will have our friendship to depend on when we need it is something that no amount of words can describe. The happiness we have found in our friendship is beyond anything I could have imagined, and it will sustain my heart and spirit to my very last day, and beyond.
People, the truth is that we are surrounded by many people we think are friends, but in truth they are more just acquaintances (This includes actual family). Look closely and you will find those special people who are real true friends. When you find them, hold on to the, cherish them and nurture that friendship. Trust me, you will never regret it.
