The Story Board
Friends and Friendship
Greetings,
I have read many posts about friends and it left me with wondering thoughts about the true definition of the word "friend" and "friendship". Do we really, ever, have what some call as a "true" friend? I think so, but it is very rare to have a totally unconditional friendship. There is always some "clinch" that comes in the way of many friendships. I have developed a wonderful friendship with my youngest daughter. We have always been friends, but not as close as we are now. It is amazing to look at our relationship as friends, best friends and that unconditional friendship that we give to each other without a second thought. Both of us have had other friends who we spent time with, chatted on the phone endlessly with and even felt we were very close and connected to. But, after a year or two, something happens and like a popped bubble... they disappear, never to be seen or heard from again. Why? Because they realize there is nothing more they can gain from you. Sad isn't it, but it is painfully the truth. We all need a friend when life throws things into our lives. Someone to talk to about it. Someone who does or tries to understand how you are feeling and what you must be going threw and not offering their friendship just to be nosy and hear the latest juicy news of your life. Those sort of friends are very rare and not ones you find everyday. Most people are out for themselves and they are willing to give only if they are getting something well worth it in return. I had a very dear friend who has long past over to the other side. Yes, she is no longer alive and walking on this earth. She always loved to bake what she called as "Blessing Bread". She worked hard in her kitchen making loaf after loaf of those breads, kneading, praying over and blessing each loaf, as she thought of those whom she was going to deliver them to. One lady, who lived across the street from her received a blessing loaf of bread, every Saturday for over five years. She loved the bread and always looked forward to seeing that bread on her doorstep. She told me later, after Helen had passed away, how she thought many times of offering her a few dollars to help pay for the flour and other ingredients, but with tears in her eyes she said, "I also thought, why should I, as long as I was getting it for free." She felt terrible for being so selfish, but for five years she got free bread! Helen never expected pay for her bread, but she certainly appreciated those who helped her pay for the ingredients. She had ten friends whom she baked these blessing breads for and out of all of them... only two helped her pay to supply the bread to all of them for many years. Yes, they received FREE bread without even considering the love and friendship that was providing it... until death came and the FREE bread no longer was there. Did they miss the free bread or did they miss Helen. Maybe they missed both, but all I heard was. " I sure will miss those free loaves of bread!" I am pleased to know that i was one of those who helped Helen pay for her ingredients. I felt blessed with her friendship an I felt good in my spirit that I never took advantage of her and her kindness. Her bread was delicious and her friendship was... delightful. I would never use a friend for my personal gain. If they gave me a flower seed, I would want to give them the first bouquet of flowers from that seed every year that they bloomed.Shared by
Cindy Stangle
on March 20, 2012
| Memory Date: March 20, 2012
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Your friends sounds like an amazing woman. I know you miss her very much. I am sure her prayers and the bread she made were a blessing to all who received it. Thank you for sharing her story.
Posted By:
Tami Potter | March 20, 2012 at 8:20 pm
