Yesterday’s engine problem unveiled a story, or maybe not a story but something to think about. For me anyway.  After I pulled over, I called a friend who owns and runs a car shop, just to ask if leaving my car there was the best option to take, all else considered. He said it was. Hours later, when we were both done with our tasks for the day, he offered to help me retrieve my stranded car. Never mind that he lives many towns away. A little later, a good friend read my blog entry, and said I should’ve texted her. As much as I hate to be a schmaltzy fool, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by such gestures. It made me wonder what defines friendship, and not surprisingly, it is my poetry mentor, Marjorie Evasco, who gave a very simple, succint definition:

“Ah, so many variations of the same theme, but it always remains the gesture of loving and caring kindness that sets a true friend over and above others.”

This lousy(?) day has so touched me in many ways; often, it is only in times of distress that true friends reveal themselves, in ways that overwhelm. I write this here, accessible to the entire cyber world, as an affirmation that true friendship exists; true friendship is a fact. And, as trite as it sounds, true friendship is a treasure beyond measure.