You've Got A Friend

"When you're down and troubled
and you need a helping hand,
and nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
and soon I will be there
to brighten up even your darkest nights."

You've Got A Friend -- James Taylor

I guess I found that out this weekend. Without the resources to go visit friends recently, one of my best friends went out of the way to come visit me, bring me to see some family and other friends, and, essentially, show me how good of a friend they really are when I need to be picked up.

Without a doubt, J had a lot of fun at the St. Patrick's Day party we attended but didn't want to go alone. However spending an extra eight hours of driving to do it with me, paying for most of my weekend and, in general seeing that I enjoyed myself, is a lot for any friend to do.

J told me that driving here was also an opportunity to see some others friends and pick up some things that aren't available back home. But I think it was also J checking to see if I was doing OK. We had a long talk last week and I was able to talk about some issues I was having with J and, even after that, I was shown the greatness of our friendship.

I always think of others before myself. It's one of the issues I've had with J because I don't see that very often with J. In fact, J looks out for number one a lot without realizing, or seeming to care, how it affects others. This week, though, J looked out for me. There was no reward in J's actions this weekend. It was just a friend who came and looked out for me when I needed a friend. The time J spent on me this weekend is worth much more than money.

Sometimes, when wallowing in a bit of doubt and self pity, I forget about these things. I really need to thank J for reminding me of that, for being such a good friend and for many other things that go beyond just this past week.

That thanks goes out to a number of my friends who are there for me when I need them. Thanks go them and one especially good and close friend. J, you really are a bestie.