When I left New Jersey almost four weeks ago for Colorado, I left a very dear friend I’ve known for over 15 years.
I met her back when the two of us were working in the corporate headquarters at the now defunct Mikasa brand – and we’ve been pals ever since!
Our typical routine was to meet for coffee or dinner every week, where the two of us would discuss the trials and tribulations of life before just being silly – quoting one-liners from the classic TV sitcom The Golden Girls.
It’s sad how often I took our time together for granted – a realization that hit me after 1,800 miles and a two hour time difference made those get-togethers impossible to sustain.
One thing I’ve learned in the weeks since we last saw each other is that no matter how much either of us complained – repeatedly at times – the other was always there to listen and provide support.
Arnold H. Glasgow once remarked that, “A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they’re not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they’re not so bad.”
And I think that’s the key to all relationships.
It’s not always about opinions and solutions. Many times it’s just about being there to listen, to comfort and to let the other person know that no matter what struggles they might be facing, you’re always there with a sympathetic ear and a heart filled with love.
While the distance certainly makes grabbing a cup of coffee challenging, I know without a doubt that she is still there to listen to me complain whenever I need to – with a sympathetic ear and a heart filled with love.
Sounds like a good time for a Golden Girls episode, Marisa. I suspect we could BOTH use a good laugh right about now.
