“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” (Proverbs 17:17)
My friendship pool is small. Jim is in heaven. One lives in Martinsville, IN. A longtime college friend lives in KY. Then there is Dave. He and his wife flew in on Thursday and fly out tomorrow evening to return to Arizona. I met Dave almost 10 years ago. I am a cyclist and was plowed into by a hit-and-run driver one sunny November afternoon. His mirror hit my left hip leaving me sprawled on the road watching helplessly as he never once tapped a brake light nor slowed down. And yes, I do believe it was on purpose. I can tell you what he was driving (an early model Ford Escape) but I was unable to get his license plate nor take a picture. That is when I met Dave. We instantly bonded over an organization he led called 3 Feet Please. But then that bond went deeper. We began corresponding by text, email and even phone calls and soon he made arrangements to come visit. The bond of friendship was almost so instant my wife says it is like we are “brothers from different mothers.”
Time has deepened our friendship. Rides for the MS Society gave us time to spend together on the bike. He lost a dear friend (Lynn) while on an MS ride when an elderly driver plowed into a pack of riders. His wife, Susan, also a lovely lady in her own right, encouraged his involvement in Lynn’s family’s life as well as pursuing 3 Feet Please as much as possible. Dave became an advocate to make it a law in all 50 states to allow 3 feet between a vehicle and a cyclist. So far, most states have passed some type of law; some even passing a 4 feet law. With my experience of being hit, and Dave’s passion for safe cycling, we collaborated with several Indiana legislatures to get Indiana to pass a 3 Feet law.
In February of 2024, Jo and I were their guests in Arizona. It was a first for both of us. We visited Sedona, Scottsdale (where we met a blogging friend of mine), the Grand Canyon, as well as Gilbert (their home) and surrounding communities. Other than our trip to Daytona Beach in 2017 (a timeshare gift) and Alaska in 2019 (a gift of some in the church), it was the first time we had a true vacation with no agenda except relax. It was an oasis for us!!
He is now battling brain cancer (diagnosed within a week or so of our trip in 2024) and I am cherishing every moment he, Susan, Jo and I are spending together. No question things are different. His stamina is not what it used to be. We have eaten out; laughed; eaten out; gone to church together (they normally watch online only this time was in person); and eaten out. I feel intense workouts and watching my diet coming in the near future. 🙂
Dave is my friend and I don’t take that lightly. He is, as Jo says, my brother from a different mother. I’m glad he’s here. Do you have someone you can call a friend?
Glad you are enjoying this visit with Dave. Friendships like that are a gift from God. Praying for him and for you.
Thank you Pam for the prayers. It is amazing to me how someone can become so meaningful to me and Jo in such a short time.
Bill, It makes my heart glad to know that you were able to spend some time with Dave this past weekend. I am also honored to be included in your short list. Know you are on my short list as well. I have been striving hard to broaden my circle of friends. Some friends are just for a season, while some turn into life long brothers from another mother. I am pleased that our friendship has endured and that your friendship with Dave continues on. Enjoy that time!
Thanks Ryan. In some ways it is hard seeing how it has become but also knowing that God has His hand all over the situation. And I am glad you are my friend.
It is wrenching as one by one our dearest friends arrive in heaven. Sure, we develop new and meaningful relationships along the way, but it’s those oldest that are the dearest and we grieve when they are gone.
Things are never the same. My heart goes out to you and yours as you walk through yet another valley, Bill.
Thanks Linda. I’m trusting God to do what He thinks best. Of course I pray for complete healing. Thanks for your kind words.
Oh, such precious times with your dear friend (brother), Dave, Bill! May it be God’s will to heal him in the here and now. I will definitely keep him in my prayers.
Blessings!
You are correct Martha. They are precious times and your prayers are much appreciated.
I am glad Bill that you are enjoying your time with Dave and Susan. I will continue to pray for Dave, that he does get complete healing. Close friendships with a strong bonds are so special in our lives, they are true treasures from God. I hope yours and Dave’s friendship has many more memories and years to share together.
I am thoroughly enjoying my time Gail. And I cannot express adequately how much it means to have you continuing to pray for him for complete healing. I believe in a God who can do just that. As for good friends? yes they are good treasures from a good God.