In Others' Words: Friendship

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." Helen Keller, first deaf-blind woman to earn a bachelor's degree, who went on to become an internationally-known speaker & author

I am blessed with wonderful friends. If I took the time to share their names and stories … well, my blog post from here to eternity would be about how my friends have enriched my life. Challenged me. Changed me.

Today's quote made me think of my "safe harbor" friend Fran S. We've been friends … forever. Her smile won me over years and years ago when I was the mom of one little boy. I remember meeting her and thinking, "Oh, I could like her."

I had no idea.

Fran journeyed with me through some of the darkest times of my life as I tried to make sense of hurts from my past. One day I struggled so much I even walked out on my husband in a "I'm running away from home" kind of way.

We lived in a small town in Florida. Where do you run when there's not even a mall where you live? McDonald's? I drove around and around town, crying. Stopped to call my husband and let him know I was OK, but no, I wasn't coming home yet.

And then, for some reason, I turned my car toward Fran's house. As I pulled into her driveway, I saw Fran standing in her doorway. As if she was waiting for me.

As I walked up to her door, she met me and wrapped me in a hug.

"I prayed you would come here."

Her whispered words stunned me. My husband had called Fran and told her I was having a tough day (understatement) and Fran prayed … and waited. For me.

A woman of faith.

My safe harbor friend.

In Your Words: When has a friend walked with you through dark times? When have you had the chance to walk with a friend through a dark valley?

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