I sent this card to a very dear friend of mine. Then I got to thinking about friendship and how many actual friends I have; both those I have met and those I haven’t actually met in person yet. So, I thought I’d share this with all of you, since so very many of you would fit this as well, at least to me.
Unconditional, no-matter-what, no demands, no unattainable standards to constantly be held up against, just always-there-for-you friendship and caring and love, and a sympathetic ear when times are rough. Thank you, all of you. Especially a few certain ones I have been so greatly blessed to get to know and count as close friends. You humble me greatly. I can never repay all of the love and kindness and genuine caring if I live to be a hundred; so instead I’ll do my best to pass it on to as many as possible. So, one and all, whether I ‘know’ you yet or not, consider yourself hugged close and offered up in my nightly prayers. This is what I sent to my friend:
Walking quietly next to you, holding your hand, I found a peace I’ve rarely felt. Even the silence made me smile, for I was with you, sharing the moment, and I felt I’d never really be alone again.
I miss those walks. I miss sharing some of my deepest thoughts with you, knowing I could trust you completely with my heart, with the deepest part of me. I miss your sweet smile that lights up your eyes. Most of all I miss your hugs, the way you’d hold me so close to you that I couldn’t tell for sure whether it was my heartbeat I was hearing and feeling or yours or both together; knowing that there is no safer place on this earth for me to be than right there in your arms.
I can’t wait to see you again, <insert your own name here>. I miss you, my dear friend. Take care of yourself, and know always that you are loved, cherished and treasured.
BLUSH Thank you very much, Arden, Jim and hello, Cougarfang. Welcome to this crazy place. Wow. High-class chocolate even! How did you know I’m a Chocoholic?
Thank you, all of you. And Jim, you know I adore you. Ever since you bought me that bottle of champayne last year at the Dopefest. Yes, I still have the pics from that dopefest, though I hid several of them.
{{{{{{Arden}}}}}}
{{{{{{Jim}}}}}}
{{{{{{Cougarfang}}}}}}
{{{{{{All the viewers too}}}}}}
I sure can make a thread disappear quick, can’t I? Only took it a couple of hours to drop off the front page. Well, I wanted more people to see this and get a hug for the day. So, I’ll bump. This once.
I know I’ve already gotten a Purplebear Hug™ today, but what can I say? I’m greedy when it comes to these things.
So here’s a return hug to our dear Lady Purp. A sweeter heart would be difficult to find. It can’t be over stated: You are a blessing to these boards and to the people you call “friend”.
I hope, for their sake, that the person you sent that card to is able to get together with you again soon. I know their life will be brighter for it.
BLUSH What a thoroughly sweet thing to say, Ty. Thank you, my dear friend. Actually, the person I sent this to also posts here occasionally, and will hopefully see this thread sometime. I don’t think he’d mind at all. We’ve been friends since I was a dumb, gauche, incredibly naive teenager and he was a tall handsome fella who thought I was okay to hang around with now and then. With any luck, and if I can figure out how to pay for it, I’ll even get to see him next month at a weekend conference in the PNW. Hopefully his wife will get to come too, since she’s a sweetie too. It’s doubtful that my hubby will get to go, he can’t take off work right now.
Here’s another hug for you then, dear.
{{{{{{{{Tygr}}}}}}}}
Greetings everyone!!! Blue Bear here. Since this post is all about friendship, I was indirectly asked to post so, I figured a little Poem about friendship to all you, doppers out there who read this thread. I hope that you like it.
Written with a pen, sealed with a kiss.
If you are my friend, please answer this:
Are we friends, or are we not?
You told me once, but I forgot.
So tell me now, and tell me true.
So I can say, “I’m here for you”.
Of all the friends I’ve ever met,
You’re the one, I won’t forget.
I’ll give the angels back their wings,
And risk the loss of everything,
Just to prove my friendship is true,
To have a Friend, Just like YOU!
Hey dear friend of mine. Thanks for the hugs and they come back at you. I miss not being able to have some girl time with you, and I live closer. (haha, go figure)
Anyway, you know that we have come thru some "rough times together and if it werent for you, Purplebear I dont know if I would of made it. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
hey, GF, can you believe we have been friends for 25 yrs now? wow, time goes by fast right. Just know that I love you like a sister and I am always here for you, no matter what. {{{{{{hugs}}}} my dear sweet sis
Thank you, Silver Fire. I’ll pass that along to Bluebear.
I had noticed that it’s been that long that we’ve known each other. You’re most welcome for the hugs. I miss our ‘girl time’ as well, and keep hoping that we’ll get more chances again soon. After all, I was up in Austin on Friday night, and most of Saturday as well. You’re the one who didn’t have time for me.
You are indeed a true treasure in my life, GF, and I look forward to more good times ahead. I’m glad to have been able to be there for you when you needed me; and I know you’re here for me too, should I need you. Take care, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow hopefully.
Oops. I forgot to say that last part of my last post was in response to maiden’s post to me.
Thank you, VB. I always love hugs from my favorite Flyboy. I know your wings won’t be clipped for long, dear. There is a better job out there for you, I’m sure of it. At least you’re getting to see lots of Mrs. Blue too.
{{{{{{{{{{{{VB}}}}}}}}}}}}
And Pipe, my dear! So nice to chat with you again today. And now I see you posted here too. Well…what can I say? Yours is in the (e)mail too.
{{{{{{{{{{pipefitter}}}}}}}}}}
And a smoooch for you both, for being such dear friends.
Thanks for the hugs you gave me when I decided to leave the police force a few months ago. I’m doing all right in a real dream of a job, although I still turn my head when I hear or see a blue light.
You’re a class act, Purplebear. Here’s one back at ya from another former airman…
Yes, I still have the pics from that dopefest, though I hid several of them. 
With any luck, and if I can figure out how to pay for it, I’ll even get to see him next month at a weekend conference in the PNW. Hopefully his wife will get to come too, since she’s a sweetie too. It’s doubtful that my hubby will get to go, he can’t take off work right now.