Several years ago, my Uncle Gene and Aunt Eleanor were among a group of former neighbors who had gathered at a lovely restaurant to share a dinner together, as they did each month or so.
These people had been friends, in many cases, since the 1950's, when as young people, they had purchased new tract homes and in pursuit of their dreams, began raising families and building their careers.
But this was decades later, and many of those people were now grandparents and had long retired. They get together to reminisce and to enjoy each other's company.
But right after dinner was served, among all the activity and the din of conversation, one man got up from the table and quietly walked out the door to sit by himself. Now well into his 70's, his heart was failing and he realized he would soon pass away.
As this man sat alone, saddened by his fate, my Uncle Gene walked up and sat down beside him. "Go back in and have your dinner while it's hot," this man told Gene. But Gene looked at him and replied, "I can always have dinner. I can't always be with you." Deeply touched, this man welcomed Gene's compassionate company
As Gene recently told me this story in a solemn voice he said, "I felt so good being able to do it, (especially when he) died two months later." For Gene knew he had brightened these crucial moments of this man's life when this man so desperately needed them brightened with warmth and caring and a sympathetic ear.
If ever you and I wonder what friends we have in our lives, one measurement is a person such as Gene who will understand our needs and be there for us, with no expectation of anything in return. The kindness for another is the reward in itself.
Dick
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