Friends

I haven't written a new post for quite sometime. I've allowed myself to become immersed in outside interests. which, some I might add just take away the "valuable and creative" time I have on this "spinning little Orb". I want to write, while it's fresh in my mind, about "my friends". I started this blog sometime back about "influences" in my life and it named a few (friends). I now however, want to write about those people in my life that have 'influenced" me to some degree, but most importantly, are people whom have "given" to me more than just that, they have given me their "friendship"! There is no chronological order and I will try to write about each and everyone of you. If I forget some of you, please quietly, discreetly send me a note. And forgive me, should I do forget, because over the course of my Lifetime I have amassed an amount of friends I never dreamed possible. Thank you!

My first Friend (and you will all remain anonymous, just for the fun of you trying to figure it out!) I will mention while fresh in my mind (and unfortunately, this blog will be short, but to the point). He is a True Friend, at first I didn't realise how much, whom has Given to me without ever asking anything in return (as you all do), but I always seemed to think there was a "payoff". Allow me to explain; I thought his constant "ushering" of me into "helping" him with his projects, activities, etc., was a way to channel a friendship. You know, you think you're only a friend, because you can help them with "their causes, or their projects and in return, "what do you get"?

Over the past year I realise how "blind" and selfish I was. I am deeply embarassed and hurt by how "I felt and thought". This Friend wanted me to be there for him and to help, yes, but it was more that he wanted me to be there, because "I am a Friend" to him! Last night I embarked on a "new project" with him. he called and asked, "Lidecker, can you help with the store for a couple nights a week?" I thought to myself, "yeah, but it's a Thursday and a Fri..." and without a second thought said, "Yes!" For two reasons....

The first reason is plain, simple and to the point, "I owe him!" He has helped me with my life during those "dark moment's", during that fateful and "day-to-day" time when existence was a daily "chore" (there were quite a few of you whom helped as well and you will be mentioned in further blogs). He gave me Shelter, a new Home and an opportunity to retrieve some of the "creature comforts" I had lost prior. What he asked for in return, well,...here's the second reason.

This Friend has given more than to just me. He has given to everyone, even our town! He has tried to give everyone an "opportunity and a good time" and has NEVER asked for anything in return except, "enjoy!" I remember that fateful time back in 2001, when America saw in recent history, it's country being attacked. September 11, my birthday. My Friend had purchased, prior to the "attack" two tickets to see Jimmy Buffett in Indy (my birthday present). We were to leave that afternoon, but the concert was cancelled. My Friend called me and said, "Dude? Let's go get a drink." So, while America sat, glued in front of their TV's at home, work, train stations and the Bars, in shock and disbelief, we sat at our barstools cursing the Enemy for having our "Jimmy Buffett" concert cancelled! Much Tequila flowed that afternoon!

That will be the one and only thing I will mention about my Friend, because I really do not have time this morning and to recount ALL the wonderful things He has done for me would take pages. I'm sorry. However, it is the most important one, because from "now on and for the rest of my Birthdays", I will not only be reminded what happened to America that day, but I will be reminded of the "most memorable" Birthday of my life and to have spent it with my Friend, well, as they say..."Priceless!"

I love You, my Friend.