Fortunate Friends

Aristotle once said, "Misfortune shows those who are not really friends." The part he didn't elaborate on is what misfortune does to those who are friends. There are many events that occur that can strenthen a friendship, but none so much as when we need help shouldering secret burdens. No one is without a few skeletons in their closet and it is only our nearest and dearest who are aware of what's inside our box of secrets. From this, trust is earned and becomes the foundation for lasting friendships, or what I like to call our fortunate friends. Fortunate friends are the friends we are lucky to have found...the ones that seems were hand picked by fate to be apart of our lives. It is through misfortune that we find out just how lucky we are.

These fortunate friends help us keep our sanity when the world seems to crumble around us. When we find ourselves at a dead end, they hand us a map, pointing out the alternative routes. When the last thing we want to do is smile, they crack a joke that they know will get a grin regardless. When everything seems hopeless, a fortunate friend finds that silver lining you were unable to see. They don't say, "It's going to be alright," when you both know it isn't; instead they say, "We'll get through this no matter what." While you begin to curse the darkness, they light a candle. No matter the dilemma that comes your way, with fortunate friends, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.

Then, when it's your turn to play the part, you must remember the requirements to being considered a fortunate friend. If there is judgement to be passed, it will not come from you. If there are words you are unsure are the right thing to say, silence is best. Sometimes you only need to lend your ears and a warm embrace of support. Place yourself in their shoes as you have been before to be able to show the right amount of compassion and understanding that is necessary. The main goal is to make sure your friend knows that they are not alone in their tragedy, but do so without smothering them.

Often when fortunate friends come to face a problem together, there are thin lines to walk in order to gracefully help each other. We won't always say the right thing, or even know what to say sometimes. Regardless, our fortunate friends can see our effort and will appreciate the sentiment just the same. It's all a learning process and who better to learn these lessons with than those we hold closest to our hearts?


"True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island...to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing."
- Baltasar Gracian, 17th Century Spanish Philosopher & Writer