The Art of Friendship
Tomorrow marks the 86th birthday of one of my most favorite people on this planet; someone who has truly become a lifetime best friend of mine and is one of the most special people you will ever meet – Franco. Funny enough I actually met Franco’s wife Anna before I ever met him. I happened to be out collecting leaves for my garden along the path in the ravine behind my house where Anna was walking. Curious as to the reason for my leaf collecting, we quickly struck up a conversation and I suppose you could say the rest is history. Franco was in Italy at the time, but when he returned and we met, I knew our friendship would be something I would cherish for a lifetime. Anna and Franco, having no family of their own and our family of three young boys aged 1, 1, and 2 with no family either became a match of divine proportions. Franco began taking our three boys on long adventure walks two times a week so I could have a break. They walked through puddles, practiced their balance along fence posts, slid down snow hills, and uncovered every possible thing you could ever find in nature. Rain or shine; freezing temperatures or blistering heat, he faithfully showed up each and every time and my boys couldn’t wait to see what they would discover together each and every time. Franco with his walking stick in lead while the three little bears followed in tow. It was truly an adorable sight to see. As their bond grew, so did mine with Franco. After each outing with the boys, Franco always made time for me too. He’d come in, have tea with me, and fill me in on current events and happenings which my busy life did not afford me the time to follow. Besides the walks, if the boys were sick or I ran out of something, he was always only a call away. No matter what time of day or what he was in the middle of, he always had time for our family. Special holidays and birthdays were always celebrated together with him and Anna as they became our family. Franco’s responsibilities at home continued to grow and so he was happy to join us on family vacations for his own rejuvenation. Then when I began working for West Jet, Franco became my number one travel companion. Whether it was a 24 hour layover in Newfoundland or a clay tennis championship in Houston, Franco was up for any and all adventures. Always the life of the party, more charisma than you could contain, and having more energy than you could possibly imagine. We created countless memories together which I cherish beyond measure. Together we traveled across Canada, visited different countries and continents, and never left one drop of beer unfinished!!
As Franco’s birthday was approaching, I began thinking about him and our special friendship. It got me asking myself the question; “what is friendship?” To me friendship begins with an ability to be your authentic self. That un-explainable ease and comfortableness around the other person. Knowing that they accept you fully: strengths and weaknesses, good, bad, and ugly. Then friendship has this selfless quality to it where you genuinely look out for the good of the other person and have an interest in their well being. Friendship to me is a verb; it requires action. Action is the oxygen that breathes life into it. The action of time, of listening, of helping, of availability, of sharpening the other individual even if it is tough to do, and dedication to the other person and the value you place in their friendship. True friendship is not restricted by age, gender, or background.
Perhaps the most beautiful of all, is that it often comes as an unexpected gift, in a time in your life when you need it most, as it did for me.
Franco, you are one gem of a friend. Those who know you, know exactly what I speak of. You are selfless, smart, fun, caring, adventurous, and have this insatiable appetite to enjoy life’s greatest moments. So today I say thank you for you, your friendship, and how much happiness you have brought into the lives of myself, my family, and everyone lucky enough to know you.
Happy Birthday Franco – you are truly one in a million!!
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