Friends

After church today, Annis and I drove (well, I drove and she rode along side me!) to Emory University hospital to visit my long-time friend, Mike Crawley, who has advanced-stage liver cancer. In order to enter his room, we had to don gowns and gloves to prevent (hopefully) our bringing bacteria out of his room that might infect other patients on his floor, especially the bone marrow transplant patients (Isn't it interesting to observe just how easily pathogens spread, especially among the weak and the sick?).

Anyway, when we walked into his room, as weak as he is, he greeted us, letting us know that he was glad to see us, even if were were dressed like, well, like folks dress to prevent the spread of disease. Have you ever noticed how much energy a person is willing to exert for his friend, even when he can barely lift a finger. Mike has never really known his physical strength--a man among men, literally; but today in his weakened state, I saw him as being stronger than I have ever seen him, as he put forth every ounce of strength he could muster, just to greet Annis and me. Wow! I am telling you a true friend is a rare find, one that should be treasured forever!

As you might imagine, I have visited many, many very sick people over the years but something different happens, when the patient I visit is a friend, a true friend, one who has gone the distance with me, the literal distance. Because of my familiarity with the prognosis of this kind of vicious liver cancer, unless God intervenes, I won't see my friend many more times this side of Heaven; he has almost finished his course, and he has surely gone the distance with me.

This might be difficult for you to believe but Mike (and his twin brother Will) have on many occasions cleaned the cemetery plot in Reynolds, where my parents are buried, neither expecting or receiving anything in return, other than my love and friendship. Sometimes friends do things for you, unexpected things, that no one else would ever do, and when they do, you never, ever forget it.

Why am I telling you this? I am because I have learned one of life's most difficult lessons: In spite of one's desire for true friends (the one's who travel the distance with you), the fact is they are few and far between. Unfortunately, most are mere "fair weather" friends and when the weather changes any at all, they, well, they are gone.

Seeing Mike today reminded me of the brevity of life and it also reminded me of just how painful it is to lose a friend--regardless of the reason. Mike and I go back many years; we learned how to start IV's in my backyard "cook house" in Reynolds; we made numerous ambulance calls together; I officiated at his Mother's funeral; and we both grew up in Reynolds (which for those of us who did, says much!). Sadly, I am having to face the fact that I am losing my friend and it is no fun--none whatsoever.

If you have a friend, I pray that you will treasure the person who is befriending you; if you are a friend, I pray that you will be a true one, one who will go the distance. If you have a friend who has gone the extra mile for you, I trust that, well, I trust that you never forget it.

To friendship!
Your Pastor