Forever Friends

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times."

We are just recovering from the news of the death of a long time friend. I guess we are never prepared for a link in the chain to be severed, making us feel that the strength of that friendship bond is less. But its not. It was a strong link that lasted a lifetime.

My husband and I grew up as evangelists' children. resulting in having friends all over the country. Our Christmas card list got so long that we felt we needed to shorten it for economic's sake. That was almost impossible.  Most all were dear friends.

John was one of those. He had a personality so big you couldn't ignore him. A friend to us since very small children, he was a colorful part of all our growing up years. He spent a lot of time in both our homes. We spent most summers together in camp meetings all through the Midwest.

In many ways, we grew apart after becoming adults. But we kept in touch. We weren't always in agreement on every issue of life. But nothing ever drove us apart. We reunited every so often with a hug and a short visit. Opportunity handed us a few more of those times together through the last few years. We are so grateful.

Many of our friends gathered on Tuesday to say our final goodbye to John. We were so warmed by the memories and the presence of each other.  John was a true friend. Hats off to his " all times" loyalty.

I see the youth in my life seeking out "forever friends".  I tell them that there are so many facets of friendship.  You won't always understand them until you travel life.

My husband mentioned at John's memorial service, where probably 500 or more were in attendance, that each of us were on John's life timeline. We were there on Tuesday because we were not "had been" friends, but "all time" friends. We were there because we loved him for when he was in our life and for who he was.

I still have so many of you  "forever friends". That interprets that I plan to always be there for you. To all my friends, wherever you are on my timeline, you're still there. I may not talk to you often. But we have memories.  I cherish our friendship and I love you for "all times".