Taking the Time for Friends

In this rapidly moving world, full of technology that allows us to e-mail or text or leave messages on answering machines, we can often forget how important it can be to take the time to visit with our friends.

A recently-widowed friend had more than the usual difficulties to handle: left alone in a very large historical house full of antiques and valued possessions, she decided to gear down to a small rental space in Roanoke while simultaneously dealing with the sudden loss of her dear husband.

Phone numbers changed, addresses changed, e-mail addresses changed, and at first she retreated into the myriad responsibilities inherent in such a loss. Finally, she was convinced by a good friend that she needed to take a few deep breaths and let her friends comfort her. Four of us gathered around her, at a beautiful home in the country, where we hugged and talked, ate leisurely, sipped tea, and enjoyed an incredible light lunch followed by a cake decorated as a wrapped package.

Sun poured in the windows as we took the time to do what we needed to do, what our friend needed although she kept assuring us she was "fine." Too often, we find ourselves saying, "Now, call me if you need anything, remember that I'm here, don't forget about us now that you've relocated." Words, when actions are needed.

No, I don't always remember, but the friend who gathered us together did the right thing.