Friend in my pocket

 

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” — Muhammad Ali

I was stuck for something to write about today.  The plan was to have coffee, go for a walk, meet a friend for lunch, and hopefully, something would pop into my head.  While drinking coffee, my friend called to cancel.  No problem, rain check, more time for a walk.  Since I had plenty of time, I took a different path. 

It was a gorgeous day for a walk in the woods. The walk took a like longer than planned but that’s ok.  On one of the side trails, I found a baby mouse.  It has all its fur, but its eyes are still closed.  At first, I thought it was dead, but then it tried so hard to cry.  The poor little thing was completely lost. 

I took it home. Named it Steely.  Made it a nest out of an expresso cup and glad ware.  Then took a shower.  The little guy was sleeping until he wasn’t.  I found him a few hours later lost again; about ½ way down the stairs. He is now sleeping in the pocket of my vest as I write this.

I write this while my husband is out of town.  I have seen and talked to people but have not seen a friend in 4 days.  I know it is just a baby mouse and the chances of him/her making it are slim.  But just for now, just for a little while, I have a friend in my pocket.

Friend - a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations. (Dictionary.com)

Friends are important.  They are the backbone of who we are.  It I our friends (or lack thereof) that build our self-confidence. Dare us to push our limits.  Know our secrets and have our backs.  They know our pain and celebrate the joy.

Unlike our families, we get to choose our friends.  We have a choice on who to hang out with, who to bring into our circle, and who we call allies.  This makes them more important.  Not only did we choose them, but they in turn chose us.  Some say blood is thicker than water, but blood is 90% water.  How many of us can call family, friend?

“ONE friend who understands your tears is much more valuable than MANY friends who only know your smile.” — Unknown

Keep your companions close.  Keep being a good friend to them.  Let them be a friend to you.  It is probably not a good idea to keep them in your pocket… but keep them close all the same.

“A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” — Unknown