“One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.”- Euripides
There aren’t many more things more embarrassing than breaking out into uncontrollable tears when you’re public speaking.
This thought crossed my mind as I stood in front of a throng of well-wishers at my friend David’s wedding to his beloved bride Caroline.
I had just returned from a year teaching abroad, and already felt uncomfortable enough in a suit. I had forgotten how to tie my tie and my collar buttons were unbuttoned.
But a best man has a pretty traditional role: giving a speech. And I couldn’t get through it without the tears.
David and I met when we were two.
Our parents would open their doors to our tiny, cramped units at the Georgetown of Lyndhurst apartments and we would meet in sandbox in the back.
Throughout the years - although we never went to the same school - we stayed in close touch.
We supported each other through marriages, through births, high school graduations, empty nesting … through the death of his father and the demise of my marriage.
And we’re older now, and even though David spends most of his time out West, we are connected.
Last week, my mom was rushed by ambulance to our local hospital.
Lights and sirens on, it passed right by the Georgetown of Lyndhurst apartments with the sandbox in the back.
We thought Mom was having a stroke.
Three days in the hospital revealed that her condition was due to a reaction to a new medication. But the experience left me and my entire family shaken.
That’s when David called.
He was checking in.
It had been a time, but hearing his voice gave me so much comfort. The tears welled up again. Just like at his wedding to Caroline.
I want to remind you something that you already know (but maybe forgot):
Friendships are touchstones that help us navigate an unknowable journey through the ups and downs, triumphs and sufferings, the sandboxes and hospital rooms.
You most likely have a friend out there. He or she is having dinner, or washing the dishes, reading a book, thinking about their day, feeling happy or sad. Maybe they are thinking of you.
Sometimes it takes just a little courage to reach out.
This Week’s Challenge: Check in with an Old Friend
We don’t need to overthink this. This doesn't have to be a tumultuous avalanche of emotion. This week, instead, let’s just take some time to reach out.
Send a friend a text with five hearts and the simple phrase “I miss you.”
Or …
Call them and just say, “I’ve been thinking of you and want to say hi.”
Or …
If you’re in the same town, ask them out for coffee.
Here’s a soundtrack of some friendship favorites:
My Best Friend by Weezer
Lean On Me by Bill Withers
Waiting for a Friend by The Rolling Stones
Best Friend by Sofi Tukker
You’ve Got A Friend In Me by Randy Newman
You’re My Best Friend by Queen
Old Friends by Simon and Garfunkel
I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders
Ok. You got this,
Listen to Scott on the What’s Next! Podcast
Sharing your Success
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