At
this stage in my life, I have come to appreciate more than ever the friends in
my life. Many I have known for years as I have now lived in the San
Francisco Bay Area for almost 22 years (next month is my 22nd
anniversary in the bay area). The love and joy as well as the sorrow and
trying times together are what bond you.
We
have traveled together, eaten together, drank together (at times too much!),
maybe had a bit of herbal enjoyment together, and holidays together. We
have also mourned together, been a mess together, shared highs and lows
together, celebrated unions and babies together, and we been angry
together. But, most of all, we have grown together.
My
friends include family as well as those I consider my family. Friends are
not defined by blood, but by love. Every chance that I can grow a new
friendship or renew an old friendship is exciting to me. I have the
chance to learn something new or to experience life through the thoughts of
another. An opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of life
through others.
But
with this comes great responsibility to those friends. A true friend is
there in the difficult times and not just the good times. They are the
ones to first offer you help. I have been someone offered many great
gifts from my beautiful friends. This includes everything from financial
to shared living to extravagant gifts to absolute acceptance and love for who I
am. I hope to always give back my devotion and love to my friends.
To be there when needed and to enjoy the good times with them as well.
Friends make your life a new and exciting adventure each day and for that I
thank you.
“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an
opportunity.” - Khalil Gibran
Some History for Khalil Gibran from Wikipedia:
Kahlil
Gibran, sometimes spelled Khalil; full Arabic name Gibran Khalil Gibran,
Arabic: جبران خليل جبران Born January 6, 1883 and died April 10,
1931. He was a Lebanese-American artist, poet, and writer of the New York
Pen League. Gibran was born in the town of Bsharri in the Mount Lebanon
Mutasarrifate, Ottoman Empire (north of modern-day Lebanon), to Khalil Gibran
and Kamila Gibran (Rahmeh). As a young man, Gibran immigrated with his family
to the United States, where he studied art and began his literary career,
writing in both English and Arabic. In the Arab world, Gibran is regarded as a
literary and political rebel. His romantic style was at the heart of a
renaissance in modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away
from the classical school. In Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary
hero. He is chiefly known in the English-speaking world for his 1923 book
The Prophet (Which I have a copy of and love the book!), an early
example of inspirational fiction including a series of philosophical essays
written in poetic English prose. The book sold well despite a cool critical
reception, gaining popularity in the 1930s and again especially in the 1960s
counterculture. Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behind
Shakespeare and Laozi.
Quotes:
“Forget
not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play
with your hair.”
“Out of
suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are
seared with scars.”
“You give
but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself
that you truly give.”
This is for you my friends.
Namaste,
Tom
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