In this country, where we are judged by how big our house is, what type of car we drive, what we do for a living, and how big and numerous are our toys, I find myself with none of the 'stuff' that qualifies me as a valuable member of society. As a matter of fact, at the moment my life is all loose and floppy like poorly tuned rigging.I may have contributed very little to the economy, but I have something much more worthwhile than a load of possessions. I have friends. Wonderful, colorful, lively, helpful friends. Friends who support me and tell me when I’m brilliant, and who slap me silly and say ‘stop being a dumbass’ when I don’t reef when I should. Recently, after my metaphorical boat washed up on the beach, I found the mother lode of friendship.
I arrived in the coastal town on a Saturday evening. I walked the waterfront from end to end, breathing the clean salt air, and then went to the local hangout on the docks to have a beer. This used to work well. You could sit down alone with a beer, and within an hour there would be ten or more like minded people, some you knew and some you didn’t, clustered around telling tall tales as only sailors can do. By the end of the evening, those you didn’t know had become part of your circle of close friends.
As I ordered my beer, I thought, ‘it’s been ten years since I’ve been in this town. I bet it’s all changed, and I will sit here alone drinking beer. How pathetic will that be?’ Three sips later, and what do I see, but two dear friends zipping towards the dock in their dinghy.
Later that night, ten of us clustered around a food laden table discussing boats, life, and the pursuit of happiness. The next day, I went sailing with one of my new friends. The day after that, another friend called to offer part time work. And today, I’m meeting a friend who has friends who may have a place for me to stay for a while. The ever expanding circle widens.
That’s what friends are for. I wouldn’t trade them for all the ‘stuff’ in the world.
