A few weeks ago I was attending a meeting made up of ladies
who had the desire to offer random acts of kindness to others. Among the group
are three good friends of my own, and even though I travel one hundred miles
each way to attend this meeting, the draw of friendship and camaraderie for a
good cause makes it an easy drive. As a warm-up, we went around the room to
share something about someone who has made an impact on our lives. The obvious, mothers, dads, grandparents, and
teachers were honored, and no doubt I have had so many of those who have
definitely been a major influence, as we all have. As it rolled around to me I
couldn’t add anything new except, by my side (this is almost a literal phrase;
we’ve been accused of being joined at the hip) was a person who had taught me
the art of friendship so many times over in the better part of quarter century
that we have been friends. As I began to speak, my voice went into that
horrible high-pitched warble that happens when emotions are stronger than the
voice box. I wasn’t able to eloquently pay tribute to the beauty of her selfless
acts and the impact of how she has taught me what it means to really be a
friend.
Instead, I could only
belt out, “ Shhee’s m-my-y-y, sniff, sniff, friend… shhe’s she’s the b-b-best.
She was touched, but this blubber ball was so sad that the
right words to honor her were not spoken. This dear one is first to say that it
has been a two way street, but I can’t help but pale in comparison to her. What
we do have though is one of those rare strong bonds that withstands distance or
time. She is also a very, very private
person and would not be too happy if I announced her name to the blogosphere (all
9 people who read this, even if the potential of more is possible). So, I won’t.
But, I do want to share the poem I wrote
to her almost 20 years ago, that gives a small inkling of what makes up the
body of a true friend. I only hope that you have had a similar experience of
knowing such a friend, and in return becoming a better person for it. I know I
am.
“The Body Perfect”
She looks at herself
with
Dread and concern,
Fearing what is to
come…
And when.
But, when God created
my friend,
He added “extras” not
given
To everyone.
He added a strong
right arm
Connected to a
delicate consoling hand;
Shoulders strong
enough to withstand
A waterfall of tears.
Her heart seals in my
secrets,
All the while
silently packing
Away its own pain.
Deep piercing eyes
watch for any
Chinks in my armor.
Tender, yet solid soles
keep her ever mindful
Of the personal pain
And sacrifice of
Taking any
goal-driven step.
At the hip He devised
an extra hinge
Made for locking
Onto the hip of
another.
No other body was
created with as much
Love and perfection.
Suzanne Robinson
August, 1995
