Tributes to Friends

[Doolhof]

FRIENDS: we all have them at some stage in our lives or we would dearly like to have one right now.

I've just picked up a book by Hulton Getty called "Best Friends"

Over time I am going to share some of the quotes with you and see if I can recall positive stories about my friends to share with you. Sometimes my brain forgets things. Ha. Ha.

Today's quote is "Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life" by President Thomas Jefferson.

For some reason the following story came to mind.

When I was about 12, a friend and I stayed in an old half derelict house belonging to her family. We tried to get the wood stove going so we could pop corn on the stove in a saucepan. The stove took ages to heat up and we left the popcorn on the stove and went to bed.

During the night the fire in the stove took off and the corn started to pop and scared the "whatevers" out of us! We certainly needed each other that night until we realised what was happening!

Hope you can share some stories about your friends.

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[Doolhof]

Okay, so here is another quote from the little book I mentioned in my first post.

"The happiest business in all the world is that of making friends" by Anne S Eaton

My comment on that quote is that it is not always easy to make new friends, but as someone once said "To have friends, you need to be a friend".

Since moving to this region two years ago where we didn't know anyone, I now have friends in the CFS at Church and in the community. We joined the indoor bowling group and have made friends that way.

Sometimes we just have to make the first move. Say hello and see where things go from there.

Wishing you all the joy of friendships today.

Cheers form Mrs. Dools, Lauren

[Indra]

Thanks for this Lauren - I am in the dearly in need of a friend. I have had friends in the past but they have all drifted away due to circumstances. Uplifting ☺

[Doolhof]

Hi Indra,

I hope you feel that people here at Beyond Blue can be your friends. I know it is not the same as having friends you can see face to face, but I hope it helps!

Friends can be fun, they can be fickle, they can be there for you and others run from your problems.

It is difficult to understand how people can be wonderful friends one day and then you just don't hear from them again.

I try to not take all of that too personally. We never know what is going on in another person's life.

One thing I have learnt is to enjoy my own company, and to make the most of my day how ever I can. Not always easy with depression breathing down your neck though.

Can you think of ways to meet new people? Are there clubs or groups you could join in your area? Do you have children at school? Could you ask another Mum if she would like to have coffee with you sometime?

I feel like I have made some great "friends" here at Beyond Blue. These friends too come and go, that is just a part of how life is.

Thanks for being part of this forum, welcome friend,

From Lauren

[Doolhof]

The quote in the book today sounds a little negative to me, especially for people who do not have close friends for one reason or another, so I will change it around.

"Friendship can be a source of great pleasure, friends help to make the troublesome days better."

It is nice to know that people care and are concerned for you. I hope that the contributions people make on this forum to reach out and help others benefits all, so we can all grow and conquer our depression and mental illnesses.

Kind thoughts to you all from Lauren, Mrs. Dools 

[Indra]

Thank you Lauren - feel better that there is a friend there for me xx

[Doolhof]

Hi Indra,

Goodaye to you my friend. I feel so much better knowing that I have friends and people here at Beyond Blue I can "chat" with when I need to.

Today when I had finished assisting one of my clients, I was looking forward to going home. She then asked me if I would like a coffee and to stay for a chat.

I could very easily have said No thanks, I need to get home. But I stayed and had a chat with her. An added bonus was her cat jumped up on to my lap for a while.

Do you have something special you would like to share in a post of your own? It is always surprising what ideas and "conversations" spring up.

Cheers for now from Lauren.

[Doolhof]

Here is a quote I have read and heard many times:

"A friend is a present you give yourself." by Robert Louis Stevenson

That can be so true. Sometimes we need to be out there in the world to make a new friend. Friends don't just come to you, sometimes we have to look for them.

I have a couple of very dear friends who are wonderful treasures to me, I am so thankful I have them in my life.

Wishing you all a dear friend to share stuff with.

Cheers, from Mrs. Dools

[Indra]

Hi Lauren,

I am glad to hear that you had a chat and coffee with your client - I take it you do Home Help? My mother did that before she retired and found it very rewarding. I can relate to the cat - we have a ginger furball that does the same - that or my youngest who is 4 and full of questions!! Thank you for your advice - I will try to think of something to share and hopefully someone will reach out. You have helped me already - maybe I can pay that forward. Well back to the chaos of my household!!  Indra 

[Doolhof]

Hi Indra,

Yes, I work I do work for the elderly in their homes, a bit like Home Help. I do enjoy it, some days are very rewarding. I am sure your Mum can tell you all kinds of different stories.

I might not be on the forums for a few days as I have a bit of a busy time ahead.

Friday I will be working and driving most of the day and hope to fit in a swim. Then in the evening I will be playing indoor carpet bowls with my husband.

Saturday I am visiting a friend who has a few mental health issues and will then call in to see family. Sunday I hope to attend a local car racing event as part of the local Country Fire Service support crew. It will be my first time at that venue so will see what happens. That will be an all day thing.

Monday is another busy day with clients and catching up with my own housework.

It is so wonderful to read that by just being on contact I have been able to help you in some way. That is very gratifying to know. "Chatting" with people like yourself helps me immensely as well. It makes me feel connected and like my life is worthwhile, so it works both ways!

I will catch up with you again soon. Cheers for now, from Lauren