Friends

About a year ago I moved to a big city many, many miles from anything or anyone I knew. All that I had with me was my two dogs, my guitar and a few belongings. My brother and his fiancee would be moving just around the block from me within a few weeks, but once again, none of us had another friend here besides each other. Over the past ten months we have met many nice people, but few have really become the type of friends that we were used to having. I was particularly reminded of this when my best friend came to visit me all the way from Florida last week. We had a blast. We laughed and talked the entire time. There was never a dull or awkward moment. When he left to catch his flight, it truely reminded me how special a friend really is and how fortunate I am to have one.

Do you want to know what a real friend is? A real friend is a person who you can always count on. They will be there during good times, bad times, happy times, sad times, fun times and even when things are just plain dull. They don't care what you look like, what you drive, how much money you have, what other people or friends think of you, or, if you're "cool" or not. They don't care if you're fat or skinny, what race or religion you are, or what your gender is. A real friend is a compassionate, understanding individual that realizes human goodness comes in all shapes and sizes. Do you have what it takes to be a real friend? Have you been a good friend to others or do you owe someone an apology? Do the people you surround yourself with act like real friends or do you just hang out with them because they call or because you're lonely and bored?

Take some time to think. Answering these questions can improve the quality of your life and the lives of others dramatically. Quit being selfish. Quit letting others be selfish. Answer your phone. Give an old friend a second chance. Don't be so quick to judge the "dork" , the "dumb football player" or "the fat kid". You just might find they are the coolest friend(s) you've ever had.

In closing I'll leave you with a line from the song "Live like you were dying" by Tim McGraw. He says".... I became a friend a friend would like to have." So guys, start being the type of friend that a friend would like to have. Be a real friend like my buddy Colin or my brother Noah. Just be you and just be real. That's all it takes.

See you next time!