Letter To Linda

Dear Linda, It's around 6AM, and I just wanted to share with you a few words about a FRIEND of mine that I met more than 50 years ago. Over the years, I have spoken to many people about this friend of mine, but I don't think the sharing has been like what I'm feeling this morning. I think the inspiration to share this came after observing a beautiful picture of you on Facebook. I was seeing beyond the photograph and into your spirit. That is where I saw the hurt and pain. I hope I'm wrong. I was arrested by the thought that perhaps what you need most is a FRIEND. I have not been able to reach you for several days. What I saw in your eyes prompted me to write this note about my dear FRIEND. You see, Linda*, he is the dearest FRIEND like none I have ever known. We talk a lot, but I'd rather say that we commune or communicate. I'm not a very wordy person. I meditate and think a lot, often unable to put into words what I want or need to say. However, my FRIEND understands me whether I speak things in the form of words or simply think and meditate. He never has to read my lips because he reads my eyes, the pathway to the soul. He understands and knows what's on my mind better than I do myself. I can only hope that you have a FRIEND like mine. He never tires of all the burdens and cares I share with him. He never interrupts me or gets shocked and become judgmental over anything I share with him. He's never surprised by any of my secrets and flaws. It's as though he already knows before I even expose my issues to him. He's closer than a parent or sibling, a spouse or relative. He's truly my closest and dearest FRIEND. I have other FRIENDS that I grew up with, and over the years we have lost contact. Some went east; others went west; and I went in every direction. Some have died, and I will never see them again. Anyway, back to my dearest FRIEND, the one who has been with me through thick and thin; through all of 'my ups and downs''; 'my highs and lows'. I can't imagine anyone not having a FRIEND like mine; one who loves me unconditionally; one who neither accuses nor excuses me. He's never preoccupied or too busy with other people or things. He tunes in to me with his full attention as if I'm the only person in the world. He... 062921PSCtest, A Brian Strand July 2, Brian Strand *My youngest sister