What is a friend? Merriam-Webster defines a friend as a person who has a strong liking, affection, and trust for another person, distinct from family members or romantic partners.
I’ve had lots of friends through the course of my life, as most of us have had. There are a few who have really stood out as being very special to me.
I lived several places before I moved to Madera, where I have now lived almost half of my life.
My childhood best friend was Candy Jordan, who lived two doors down from my house in Bartow, Florida. We became friends when we were five, and to this day we still are in contact with each other, though only through the exchange of Christmas cards.
My best friend in high school was Janet Moore, who passed away in 2010. Throughout our high school years in Atlanta, we were tight friends. Outside of school, you could hardly see one without the other. We also kept in contact until her death.
Another very special friend I had was a missionary when I lived in Haiti. His name was Bob Jones, and he taught me so much about the Bible and about faith in God. He was an old cowboy from Oklahoma and he entertained me with funny stories and anecdotes from his life as an evangelist. To this day, I often quote him from some of the expressions he used. He, too, has passed away.
My best friend, Jina, died in an automobile accident in 2018. It was a devastating time for me to lose her so suddenly. I cherish my memories of her. She and I were re-entry students at Fresno State and we enjoyed our time there attending many classes together. After we graduated, we remained close friends until her death.
My true best friend is David Simpson. He is living today, and will continue to be my best friend until the Lord divides us in death. On October 30, we will celebrate our 45th anniversary.
I belong to the Friends of the Madera County Library, and I support the Friends of the Madera Animal Shelter. Being this kind of friend means having an affection for what these organizations represent and support.
A true friend is a person who has a strong liking, affection, and trust for others. Friendships are not always conscious choices. Sometimes they just happen.
Of all the close friends I have had, I don’t remember ever going out to seek a friendship of these folks, then finding them and latching onto them. The friendships developed over time.
Now, I have many friends here in Madera, and I cherish each one of them. Probably none are like the ones I have mentioned, and they don’t have to be. All are special to me. I love them and will continue to ask God’s blessings upon them.
Have a great weekend.
— My love to all,
Nancy
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“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:13