February 2 - thinking of old friends

Old friends. Today I had lunch with an almost old friend (only friends for 12 years). Gord is a soon-to-retire-Mountie, and it was nice to see him and see the reflection of my passing years in him. But for my real 'old friends' there are deeper, closer thoughts. These are the handful of friends who are as tight as family (sometimes tighter) and who hold up the world for me when I struggle, whether it is from a bad sleep, a family death, or other sundry disasters. By the same token, these are the same people who hold up the mirror to remind me when I am at my best and cannot see it. Like I said, a small handful of precious love, that's what these friends are. I don't collect many friends, but lord knows that I hang on to those I have and love and cherish them. Do you? Friends and family...n