Today I’m listening to “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King from the album “Tapestry”. This brings back fond memories of childhood friends with who I spent endless hours listening to LPs.
There would be several of us huddled round a record player in a bedroom listening intently to the selected album. We would all stay silent while it was played and the sleeve would be passed round for careful examination. The lads were into groups like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and King Crimson. The girls preferred the gentler sounds of Clifford T Ward, James Taylor and Carole King. However we would all respectfully listen to whatever was being played, and then a lively and sometimes heated discussion would follow.
I’d lost touch with most of these friends over the years but many got back in touch in 2013 when they heard of my diagnosis. It was lovely to hear from them again and to reminisce about happy memories and share some more music.
What struck me particularly was how quickly they were all there for me when I needed them. It reminded me that a true friend is there for the good times and well as the bad.
I am constantly inspired and strengthened by some of the adversity and challenges that my friends have faced and dealt with in their lives over the years. I’m keeping their stories to myself but I’m sure you can all think of inspiring examples amongst people you know.
I’m going for the scan/biopsy tomorrow and I have to admit to feeling just a teeny weeny bit terrified, so I will leave you with this quote which I got from one of my medical team.
“A brave person is someone who has the courage to admit to their fears”.
