#72
Who are the people who are there for you—and you for them?
Who are your forever friends?
On Thursday and Friday of this past week I attended memorial services for a college friend who had suddenly died. Warren Mack will be missed dearly by his friends and family. I know my wife and I will miss seeing him in the park or on the beach with his dogs. He never missed an opportunity to stop and chat. He always asked about us and our dog, Buddy. Even when he wasn’t feeling well, Warren found a way to smile. Whether he was talking about his beloved Baltimore Orioles, his pups, or life at the beach, he knew how to connect. That is what authentic people can do…they connect with those around him.
Two dear friends of Warren spoke at his Friday memorial service. Both spoke about what it meant to “be a friend.” One said that Warren wanted to be everyone’s friend. That was Warren. He enjoyed life; he enjoyed those around him.
The second, Joy, read a short piece that had the tag line of “my forever friend” running through it. I had not heard it before, and truth be told, I do not remember anything from the reading except the words “my forever friend.”
A quick Internet search turned up a wonderfully beautiful song by Charlie Landsborough with the chorus of
He’s my forever friend
My leave-me-never friend
From darkest night to rainbow’s end
He’s my forever friend
Another poem (unknown author) shares the same sentiment
When I think of all the times we’ve shared
from the silly to the sad.
You’ve been the greatest friend to me
through good times and through bad.
We love to get crazy from time to time,
that’s what friends are supposed to do.
But when times get rough
there is never a doubt that I can count on you.
We have the kind of friendship
that endures ’til the very end.
Because I can’t imagine my life without you-
My Best and Forever Friend
These words made me think about the power of friends; the power of connection. Even George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life) reminds us that “No man is a failure who has friends.” Well, Warren had his friends; still does. And we will miss him.
Who are the people who are there for you—and you for them? Who are your forever friends? Have you told them lately?
Enjoy your week!
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© 2011. Steve Piscitelli and Steve Piscitelli’s Blog.
Mr Piscitelli i am so sorry for your lost. Your friend is in a better place and i believe that he was a good person. He will always be in your heart. I am pretty sure that he lived a good life and will be truly missed.
He will be missed–but he left a fine legacy.
HI , Professor sorry about the lost of a dear friend of the family of your .It seem to me that the memorial service went really well do to the fact the young man was an good heart dearly friend among peers and family. I truely like the first poem thats a good poem .Also my prayers will go out to you and his family.
Thank you.
[...] My Forever Friend * Who are the people who are there for you—and you for them? Who are your forever friends? Have you told them lately? [...]
Im so sorry for your lost professor piscitelli,i no what it’s like to lose a childhood friend. I never knew how much they really ment to me until i was at the memorial and relized they where gone forever.I often think about my friend and the times we had and it now makes me appreciate the few i have left.