How Many Friends Have You?

The old man turned to me and asked
"How many friends have you?"
Why 10 or 20 friends have I,
And named off just a few...

He rose quite slow with effort
And sadly shook his head
"A lucky child you are
To have so many friends," he said,
But think of what you're saying
There is so much you do not know
A friend is just not someone
To whom you say "Hello"

A friend's a tender shoulder
On which to softly cry
As well to pour your troubles down
And raise your spirits high

A friend is a hand to pull you up
From darkness and despair...
When all your other "so called" friends
Have helped to put you there

A true friend is an ally
Who can't be moved or bought
A voice to keep your name alive
When others have forgot

But most of all a friend is a heart
A strong and sturdy wall
For from the hearts of friends
There comes the greatest love of all!!!

So think of what I've spoken
For every word is true
And answer once again my child
How many friends have you??

And then he stood and faced me
Awaiting my reply
Softly I answered
"If lucky......
one have "I"
"You!!!!"

Author Unknown

Remember, your true friends love you because You are You! Embrace your friends and cherish them always.

This is so true, JoJo. I always say I have many acquaintances, but only two people who classify as true friends. Even at that, I'm luckier than most--some people have none, and others only have one close friend. I've been friends with one of these women for forty-eight years, and the other for thirty-eight years! Through the years we've gone through boyfriend problems, marriages, childbirth, divorce, serious illness, death of parents, and everything in-between. We have always been there for each other, and always will be, no matter what life throws our way. We kid around and say that the only reason we remain friends is because we have enough dirt to sell each other down the river, but the truth is, we know we can always depend on each other, and that's very special.

I know what you mean Annie. I have a dear friend for about 27 years. We first met in Las Vegas and now we both live in San Diego. We have been through thick and thin together and we never judged one another. We have always been there for each other no matter what. I guess she and I have enough dirt on each other also. LOL! We had our wild day in Las Vegas that's for sure. Now we are older and we laugh about the good old days. I was her maid of honor in two of her weddings and the God mother of one of her daughters. We certainly have been through a lot over the years together and we still tell each other 'I love you' every time we talk on the phone or see each other. You are a very sweet lady Annie, thanks for sharing your story about your best friends with us.