Coming together in times of trouble

@CRK109 (14558)
United States
May 21, 2017 1:47pm CST
I have a FB friend who lives on the west coast. We've been friends longer than anyone else I've known online - around 20 years now. She's been there for me when I needed help, more than anyone I know personally. She and I have never met, although we've talked about it many times. The other night, she posted to FB that her step father seems to be facing colon cancer. He's 82 and where he is in the hospital is not close to where she lives and works. Her mother hasn't been telling her much about what's going on, but it's possible she doesn't know much herself yet. So my friend let it be known that she's really upset and scared for this man that she loves so dearly. And I posted a note to her about my feelings and how I'm praying for them. Last night, she took the time to private message me. She said she's been worried about me since I don't post much there anymore. She knew how hard it's been losing my cat and trying to be there for my niece after she lost one of hers. And we had a very long chat that went into the wee hours. She doesn't always have the time to chat during the week, but it was so nice for her to take the time last night. We talked about how things are going here. We talked about how things are going there. And so many things we haven't had time to talk about. She's the closest thing to a best friend I have these days. I know she cares about me because she makes sure that I know. And I do the same to her. And it's not just online. We will send a card by snail mail for no reason. We will send little gifts for no reason. And it's just a lovely friendship. She is one of the few people in this world that I truly trust. I love that we had our chat but I hate that it had to begin because her step father is so ill. Seems that's the same way in real life. People come together at funerals and then go away again. And stay away. Why is that? Why can't people come around to funerals and then stay for a while? Claudia
13 people like this
8 responses
@RubyHawk (99437)
• Atlanta, Georgia
22 May 17
I don't know, I think it's because we are all so busy but when something bad happens we drop everything to show we care. it's a shame we don't come together more often.
2 people like this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
22 May 17
I guess you're probably right. It's just a shame more people can't make more real time to share with others.
2 people like this
@RubyHawk (99437)
• Atlanta, Georgia
23 May 17
@CRK109 I believe we have so many gadgets they've taken over our lives.
• United States
21 May 17
I am glad to know you have that connection with your friend Claudia. It is a blessing and comfort to you both. Its a rarity really. Sad that people only come together at some events yes I agree and I do not know why they don't associate otherwise besides just then. I mean I know for my reasons, but no others.
1 person likes this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
21 May 17
I wish the world would change. Since computers have taken over, people don't seem to associate in person as much anymore, as if that's a good thing.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 May 17
@CRK109 Yes it is definitely not a good thing I agree.
@celticeagle (157593)
• Boise, Idaho
21 May 17
Wow! Pretty nice of her to take time out of her life as it is lately to private message you about how things are going with you. Now, that's a true friend.
@JudyEv (323702)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 May 17
It is a shame that this seems to be the way of the world. On odd occasions I've committed to writing to different people. My Mum hardly counts as she was my Mum but there was an elderly aunt who'd been very good to me and Vin's sister who was a nun. I would commit to writing regularly - in Mum's case every week, but otherwise mostly once a month. I didn't wait till I got a reply. I just wrote in the first week of the month. Maybe I was doing it more for myself than for them but I think they appreciated it.
1 person likes this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
22 May 17
I'm sure they appreciated it. Receiving joyful mail is something most people don't get much anymore
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
22 May 17
I agree - our friends don't need to live close to be close. I'm sorry your friend's stepdad isn't well :-(
@dragon68 (757)
21 May 17
That's really a very good question you have there. Sometimes people don't want to find time although there's always a time for everything.
1 person likes this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
21 May 17
People manage to find the time to do the things they want. So it's no wonder that people who are alone all the time feel so unloved.
@valmnz (17100)
• New Zealand
21 May 17
Moments like you've just had with your friend are such a treasure. Life does get rather busy at times, so when another gives up their time for you, you know they are a true friend.
@Happy2BeMe (99426)
• Canada
21 May 17
It is nice to have a friend that you are that close to. It is nice to have a good friend to talk with in good times and bad and who are always there when you need each other.