Friendship…..

I had the most remarkable experience a few days ago.  I was sitting at my desk and just relaxing for a minute when my eye fell upon a stuffed toy.  It is a Puffin given to me by a dear friend from my days, many years ago, of working at Hoxworth Blood Center.  I forget the occasion, but it was relevant to my days of living in Alaska, thus the Puffin.  

Anyway, I looked at it and then wondered whatever happened to MK?  I had not thought of him in years, even though that Puffin has been visible everyday since MK handed him over.  So, thanks to the wonders of technology, I located MK immediately through Facebook.  I wasn’t actually sure….MK now has a totally white beard and head of hair…not what I remember.  But looking through the hair, the beard and the glasses, I could see those warm, wonderful eyes that were familiar, so I took the chance, wrote him a quick note, and asked him to disregard the note if he hadn’t worked at Hoxworth.

By the next morning he had responded.  Yes, it was my friend MK!!  We caught up with each other and as a result I have this warm glow of reuniting with a long, lost friend.  

Memories come flooding back…MK is very tall, and at that point in our lives, when none of us had much money, he always purchased cars that were way too small for him.  He sort of wrapped himself up in them, with his knees under his chin.  It was a miracle that he could actually steer the car. 

MK gives terrific hugs.  If you are ever down, and just need a hug, he is your man.

Another, more intense, memory is the time I asked him to help me facilitate a class on ‘Date Rape’.  Back then I did volunteer work at the local Rape Crisis Center and they had a program they wanted to launch on Date Rape.  MK was very brave and said yes.  One evening we faced a room full of high school students at a local church, presenting the class.  Both of us remember the evening well.

It was nice to know that MK is still married, after 23+ years to his true love, they have raised two fantastic children and that he leads a very happy, fulfilling life.  

I may never see MK again (he lives in Colorado), I may never even make contact with him via Facebook again, he is not an active contributor, but just knowing that he is still out there makes me happy.  

That I think is the joy of Friendship; those people who help make you whole, who hold you accountable, who share the ups and down, who just by being there and having shared some small part of your life, are unforgettable.

Thank you Puffin.

Enough said.