Friends

No, not the television show, the real thing! 

Friends come in many forms.  There are those you would trust with just about anything, personal or otherwise.  Some friends are there to help you out in a pinch, like, let's say, moving.  Some are there for something more casual.  Some are just people you know, using the term loosely.

My criteria for a friend used to be pretty high.  Just because I know you, didn't mean we were friends.  A friend, to me had to be something more that a simply acquaintance.

After the day from hell, my criteria changed, in a big way!   There were around six hundred people at Kim's funeral. I knew most of them.  Up until that point, only a few of them I would call friends.  However, in that space and time, things changed for me.  There were people from all walks of our lives in attendance.  There was family, both immediate and extended; people from my professional life, as well as Kim's; people from the hockey community, both Kim's and mine.  And people from the community I joined three years ago, the Second City community.

In each area, my feelings for these people have become much stronger than they ever were before.  All of a sudden, I have a ton of friends!  And it actually feels kind of cool.  Being a very private person before, I really didn't share all that much with anyone other than Kim.  She knew me inside out.  But now, I have so many to share things with.  A case in point is these stories.

I've had the good fortune of being able to share some time with some very good people at various events throughout the GTA.  I honestly don't think I would have had that opportunity had I not re-evaluated my perception of friendship.  I've become considerably closer to Kim's family as well.  Strength in numbers!

There will never be anyone who can replace the little Blond who stole my heart.  But it is nice to know that I have such a strong support system in place, when I need it.  I am also that much more giving now with my time and resources, when the situation arises.  I'm a firm believer in the old adage that "one good turn deserves another".

And now, my friends, it's time to make a difference….