The Meaning of a Friend

The Meaning Of A friend His old hands were cracked, weathered, and worn. His clothes were so ragged, filthy, and torn. His old grey hair was unkempt, and in bad need of a comb. And I knew without a doubt, that it had been awhile since, this old gentlemen had known the comforts of a home. I stood in the shadows watching him with sadness and with awe. And I thought how much he favored my own grey headed old paw. Well I watched as he picked up a discarded sack, containing food scraps and an empty soda can. And I thought to myself how degrading, what hunger can do to a man. My mind started wandering what could have sunk him to this low. I couldn’t take it any longer I guess I just had to know. As I walked up to him I could see the loneliness in his sad old face. And I wondered how long had it been since anyone had showed to him a little kindness, mercy, or grace. I said mister I’m a friend if you’ll allow me to be. I’ve got a spare room I think will fit you it even has a key. I’ve got plenty of food to share I told him, and that I was quite lonely living there. He looked at me and nodded, I think he said a prayer. Well we shared that winter together he truly was such a delight. He sat and told me stories as we would talk late into the night. He told what had happened, and that he had simply given up. How he’d lost his wife to cancer, I saw a tear fall to his cup. As we stood there fixing to part ways, he said son you’ve truly been my friend. He said I hope we can keep in touch, let’s not let this be the end. He said I think I’m going to see my girl, let her know I’m still alive. She had just had a little girl and I think she would be five. Adios and God be with you and he walked out of the room. A tear ran down my cheek as I thought how we first met, and from that sack of scraps how this wonderful friendship it did bloom. And I wondered was I placed there just for him, or just maybe he was placed there just for me. I don’t know but I thank God anyway, and that’s how this story ends with a new beginning for all to see.