"Make new friends, but keep the old: one is silver and the other gold." This wise refrain has been with me the past few weeks for numerous reasons. During a difficult time, new and old friends alike have offered words of support and courage, hoping and praying all around the world for a positive outcome, and I couldn't be more grateful. It is remarkable how much strength can be found in the comfort of a loved one, and no matter the scale of their gesture nor the closeness of the relationship.
On a daily basis we each take our respective "normality" for granted; that is to say, we only really notice when things stop running as they should. This can happen as a gradual process, which we adjust to accordingly over time, and whatever issue thereby just becomes another fact of life. Not necessarily a positive thing, but it can be worked around. Or something can suddenly occur; a world can be turned upside down in the blink of an eye, when a message comes to say somebody has been taken ill, for example. I'm talking about personal crises, the events that shake your faith and burst your bubble. How we each deal with these situations is down to each and every one of us: we find our own ways of coping, and everyone has his or her own recovery period.
But the true and constant fact is that the motivation we receive from those around us helps keep us strong and inevitably speeds this recovery along. Having a network of loved ones offering assistance or encouraging words can make all the difference: it is the aid we sometimes need to stay steady and keep a level head when all around seems turbulent and distorting. They are the life-jacket in a sea of uncertainty, the anchor that grounds us and tells us everything will be okay, that we will still be here when the waters are again calm.
With this in mind, I would like to give a word of thanks to all those who in turn offer their compassion and on whatever level become terra firma, their actions, words, and understanding providing an emotional crutch that rights us until we are able to find our feet and stand tall once more. Indubitably these people ask no gratitude, no recognition in return for amity, they do not lend their kindness and consideration at a price; yet I feel it often goes under-acknowledged that the grace of human goodness incites this altruistic support even towards those we barely know.
We as humanity connect to one another and can sympathise or empathise even with total strangers. For our acquaintances, we can spare a thought, a prayer, a reassuring remark. And to our dear ones we can be the leaning post, the comfort, the rallying cheer, the shoulder to cry on, the reminder that things will be better.
So wear a smile for those who look like they need one, care for them in sadness and share with them their gladness, be the strength they need in any way you can. Know that they are appreciative even when they are left without the words to express it. Be the friend you would want to have by your side.
And in case they don't say it out loud, I will say it here and now; 'thank you' for being there for them. A digital salute to each and every one of you. Merci!
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