Yes folks, there is an official Friendship Day!
In 1998, Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations. In April 2011, the United Nations officially recognized the 30th of July as International Friendship Day.
Also noted, in 1935, Congress declared the 1st Sunday in August as National Friendship Day.
This is my salute to this day.
When we were young we imagined what we’d be like as we grow older. We set up these little scenarios and pictures what life might be like.
When I was 17, I met my best and only forever male friend and we have shared everything except a romance for a little over 48 years. That’s astounding when I actually write it down!
Sometimes we were in the same place at the same time and other times we went years and years without visiting. But that doesn’t matter because he is still someone I trust with my life, secrets and unquestioned loyalty.
My vision of our aging adventures included sitting on a front porch in rockers with our teeth in glasses sipping umbrella drinks. If neither of us was attached, I hung on to that picture in my mind.
Life is funny. I have a rocker on my patio and my teeth in a glass is right around the corner for me. He is in another state with a beautiful, perfect wife and still has his teeth.
We talk on the phone and I cannot imagine my world without him. Just knowing I will hear that voice of reason when I’m in a meltdown makes everything better. It’s like time never passed and I have someone who cares and knows when I’m full of crap too.
Today I write about the blessing of longtime friendship unbroken by opinions, politics, jealousy or anything else that sometimes comes between friends over the years. If we’re lucky people that will never turn their back on you, you’ve got it all.
Happy Friendship Day to all!
