"When we honestly ask which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness . . . makes it clear that whatever happens in the external world, being present to each other is really what matters." ~Henry J.M. Nouwen
I so love this quote. So often when there is a large problem, there really isn't anything a friend can do. But deep down, all we really need or want is just for someone to be there. They don't have to try to solve the problem, cure the illness or fix anything. They just have to be there and to make their love known.
And that is what really matters. That's the kind of friend I want to be.
[photo via flickr]
3.17.2008
Friendship
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14 comments:
Well guess what Jan?...You ARE that kind of friend!
I love you!!! Hope your ear clears up soon...my ball point pen offer still stands! :)
What a beautiful quote. And I always admire the way and things you write about. You are such a sweet, genuine person. I am lucky to have you in my life!
Great thoughts! Sometimes when I am venting, Adam will ask "Do you need advice or do you just need me to listen". Most of the time I just need to know that someone is listening!
Good reminder - we all need to listen more instead of opening our mouths!
That's a great way of describing a friend. Very well put.
You are that kind of friend for sure Jan! You have comforted me so much the past couple of months. Thanks for everything!!! Great quote too. I am saving that one.
What would we do without our friends?!?! Great thoughts Jan :)
you're totally that friend! and that mama. :)
This is the hardest and best kind of friend to be. It's so hard to watch the ones I love hurt, and most of the time, the most important thing I can do for them is just be there. I guess it's important to remember that sometimes, just being there is doing something.
You are that friend! You have always been so sweet and just plain awesome!
That is a great quote, thanks for sharing it. Speaking of sharing, please do email me the Easter egg Easter story!! Sounds great. I have a ton (literally :) of eggs.
That is so sweet. Love the picture too.
I just love this. I am going to strive to be that kind of friend too!
Friends are the best. You are the best cyber friend too!
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