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Just the other day I received news that one of my Best Friends since High School had Passed Away. For the last few days I have been going through the emotional ups and downs that come with the loss of anyone we know. Today I looked at our more than 30 year friendship for those lasting moments, those memories that make you laugh.  
The last time we spoke which was a short while before his passing we had one of those really deep conversations, I was asked why I stood beside him all these years considering some of the life choices that were made, when alot of his "friends" slowly walked out of his life I was still there. I explained that I was raised with very strong morals, As well as once a Friend, A Best Friend, there is no expiry date on that. Over the years after school the changes happened, you can see the anger build up due to many reasons, Yet I still remained.  
We talked about "What ever happened to people helping people and wanting nothing in return",  
That I could not answer as I myself was still trying to figure out where the compassion went.  
The conversations we had at times lasted for hours, some times we talked each others ears off, other times it was in silence, yet we were always there for each other.  
The last words we said to each other was the same words we ended all of our conversations.....Save a rocker for me on the porch, I will leave a light on"  
 
My Dear friend was one of many that was lost in the shuffle, fell through the cracks. So next time you feel like walking away or taking a break from a valuable friendship take it from me, the journey will not always be a smooth one, yet the journey with your Best Friend is worth all of life's challenges.  
 
We all have a story to tell, some are tragic, yet others are amazing. I would love to hear some of your stories, If you like you can send me a private message.  
 
Thanks for taking time to read my post.  
 
Be well and safe  
CIAO  
D

First and foremost I want to send to you and yours my deepest condolences. A loss of a Loved one, A friend etc. sometimes cuts deep, sometimes our reactions to a death are questioned by others yet many understand the reactions.  
I have a friend that we talk every other day, we talk sports, work, etc., we also talk about how things change with the times, People still find time to be compassionate for their fellow man/woman by helping out in anyway they can. I have also seen many people walk away from those in need, good people that have done so much for so many, yet when they are down on their luck people push them aside. I know of a friend of mine going through a rough time, he will never ask for help from anyone , call it pride etc. yet he put his life in danger each day he went to work to serve his community, now he is one of many that have been "pushed aside" My family has helped his family out, we have visited with them, gone out for family outings at splash parks etc.  
Times have changed, we have many great people still in this world, what I find is everyone is so busy with their own lives they have no time for others. It is like the older you get the less hours in the day there is.  
 
Take the time for all the ones that mean something to you, a simple text, call, email to tell them you are always there for them even if you can't find the time to spend those endless hours chatting like the old days. Trust me hearing a familiar voice, a text, etc. from someone that means alot to you, saying "hey, just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you"  
 
Be kind to one another  
 
Once again my condolences for your loss

Thank You for the kind words.

D.H. said "Thank You for the kind words. "

Your Welcome, Sometimes the best of life's experiences with family and/or friends hold the best memories. I have also experienced a loss and you take the time to be thankful for all the time you had with that person, as when it's your time to go there is not always any warning signs, it just happens.  
Cherish the times, hold onto all those moments and memories as they will help in the healing process along with time.

Allie Cat  
 
First and foremost I send to you my thoughts and prayers for what you are experiencing as well as the journey ahead.  
 
As we grow older our lives become more "complicated" as it could involve work, family or continued education, etc. I always say any kind of relationship whether it be with friends, bf/gf, married couples etc. the bond shared is an amazing thing. A person can go days without speaking to those who mean the most whether it be by text, email, phone calls or even visits...Yet not a day goes by where I am not thinking of those people and I feel they are doing the same. Sometimes that alone is magical in a way and will fill the void till we actually do get to speak to each other.  
Never doubt yourself as life is to short and you sound like one amazing friend in my books. Also when a person is going through something medically it is hard for them to grasp and they keep it to themselves. Trust me they also know who has their back on any unknown journey the will face.  
 
A simple Text or email goes a long way and doesn't take alot of time. Don't get down on yourself as even I understand your situation.  
 
Be well and safe  
CIAO  
D  
 
p.s Thanks for sharing  
 
Edited by D.H., 2015-07-05 20:26:04

Allie Cat said "For this thread. I don't "do" Facebook but one day I decided to check out my messages because it happened to be my birthday. It was that day my childhood friend told me she had breast cancer. Again, I don't go on Facebook, just don't like it so it was a shock to find out about it that way. Wish she would have called or emailed.   Long story short, in a span of 26 days from her finding the lump to having surgery, I feel so guilty I wasn't "there" for her. She is fine so far and pray she will overcome this terrible disease.   What I want to get at is that it takes a stranger to remind you how precious life is and even if you can't literally be there for someone, you can still show support via email, text, or a simple phone call.   Time is short, true friends are forever!!!   Hugs and love to you my friend when you read this..... "

Allie Cat, I also am sorry to hear the news about your friend. All the should of's and Could have's are not going to change things now, all you can do is keep in touch with this special friend of yours. Facebook or any other Social Media site is good to keep in touch with family and friends, yet alot of "Crap" finds it's way to many times on these sites making it not all that enjoying to log in and check out things.  
It is human nature to feel guilty in situations like this, we can make up excuses, or wonder where the time went.....The Best thing you can do is continue to be the spirited person you are and reach out, they will be waiting with open arms as you would for them.  
Keep Smiling, Keep Strong, stay connected.  

DDOG said "    Allie Cat said "For this thread. I don't "do" Facebook but one day I decided to check out my messages because it happened to be my birthday. It was that day my childhood friend told me she had breast cancer. Again, I don't go on Facebook, just don't like it so it was a shock to find out about it that way. Wish she would have called or emailed.   Long story short, in a span of 26 days from her finding the lump to having surgery, I feel so guilty I wasn't "there" for her. She is fine so far and pray she will overcome this terrible disease.   What I want to get at is that it takes a stranger to remind you how precious life is and even if you can't literally be there for someone, you can still show support via email, text, or a simple phone call.   Time is short, true friends are forever!!!   Hugs and love to you my friend when you read this..... " Allie Cat, I also am sorry to hear the news about your friend. All the should of's and Could have's are not going to change things now, all you can do is keep in touch with this special friend of yours. Facebook or any other Social Media site is good to keep in touch with family and friends, yet alot of "Crap" finds it's way to many times on these sites making it not all that enjoying to log in and check out things.   It is human nature to feel guilty in situations like this, we can make up excuses, or wonder where the time went.....The Best thing you can do is continue to be the spirited person you are and reach out, they will be waiting with open arms as you would for them.   Keep Smiling, Keep Strong, stay connected.   "

Allie Cat and DDOG, Life can take a tragic turn at the blink of an eye. For instance two more recent events come to mind, first the devastation of two families in Brandon being affected by fire that consumed their homes, their belongings, yet even though the devastation struck a nerve on the upside of it is the memories that they have that can't be taken away from them.  
Then the incident at the Lawyers office in Winnipeg where also at the Blink of an eye a Woman had her life forever changed when an explosion occurred.  
These two instances that occurred in the blink of an eye have affected so many people.  
Life is a journey and we should enjoy the ride, yet I understand we all experience Speed-bumps along the way, that's why we can count on our family, friends and even complete strangers to get through the hard times.  
 
Be well and safe  

Allie Cat said "For this thread. I don't "do" Facebook but one day I decided to check out my messages because it happened to be my birthday. It was that day my childhood friend told me she had breast cancer. Again, I don't go on Facebook, just don't like it so it was a shock to find out about it that way. Wish she would have called or emailed.   Long story short, in a span of 26 days from her finding the lump to having surgery, I feel so guilty I wasn't "there" for her. She is fine so far and pray she will overcome this terrible disease.   What I want to get at is that it takes a stranger to remind you how precious life is and even if you can't literally be there for someone, you can still show support via email, text, or a simple phone call.   Time is short, true friends are forever!!!   Hugs and love to you my friend when you read this..... "

Many times when we are faced with tragic news whether we are told in person, by text of=r even social media, the flow of emotions overflow beyond belief. Many handle tragedy in different ways, bottling it up, screaming, yelling, drinking alot, whatever they fell will help them cope.  
I am reminded on a daily occasion everytime I look at a newspaper or watch the news...many families are torn apart by tragedy.  
We as friends and family can do our best by being there to help comfort and support those in need, In time it will be our turn to receive the same from our dear friends and family.  
 
During this journey we are not alone.  
 
Be well and safe  
CIAO  
D