Life has a way of taking us on a wild ride. Forrest Gump once said “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” So many of us start out with good intentions and a plan until one day fate comes knocking at the door and a choice of our own veers our road in another direction. I am a firm believer that we make our own lives for better or worse and often times bring all kinds of challenges with our choices. I am also a firm believer in having like minded souls to walk along this road of life with us as it is hard and always made less hard with support.

When we are walking on our road, we are truly blessed when we have those beside us who love and care for us unconditionally. It is a rare gift as many we consider friends are what I like to call “fairweather” friends who are with us when the good times are happening or when there is no need for any inconvenience. Sadly when we choose a path and boulders appear these “fairweathers” are no where to lend a hand. Perhaps we made a choice they did not agree with. Perhaps we caused anger. Perhaps we said the wrong thing. In my opinion, with unconditional friendship when times are tough these are the ones who are willing to help no matter the circumstances.

We all make mistakes and cause pain. We are humans and that in itself brings a host of ingredients to life that may not mix well. Life is beautiful but it is also a big confusing ball of mess. Sadly there are those who will take great pleasure in seeing our pain and misfortune especially when we have wronged or hurt them. Sadly these are not our true friends and never have been. Unconditional love and care comes from a deep heart space. Healthy people have empathy and compassion and have great difficulty seeing others hurt or in need. If we are lucky and blessed we see our true friends and know them by their actions. The heart is large and can contain love and care for many. It is not possessive with only room for one. To care for others and to reach out to help those in need is a great strength but sadly there are those whose sole concern is for self and the ego.

I have caused pain as I am sure the vast majority of us breathing and walking have done so. I sit here with a severley injured and infected foot. I cannot walk without a crutch. I am hoping that I get to keep two feet and I am experiencing considerable pain. Sadly I caused pain to one I had been married to for over 30 years. Now it is his turn and there is no help, compassion or empathy heading my way, at least not from him. This is the time where I call upon my own strength and witness those who truly love me. This is the time when we get to see the depth or shallowness of compassion. I am blessed to have family and have called upon them to have a place to rest. to heal. In my mind, to truly care for someone is something that is always there. No matter how deep, we as healthy humans with hearts want to reach out to alleviate suffering for those we care about.

My foot will heal and so will my heart.