You Think You Know Someone

It's been nearly 9 years since I first met my husband, and over 7 years since the March evening we got married.  I like to think I know my husband pretty well and that I'm no longer surprised or impressed by anything he says does.  I've always admired and respected his loyalty to his friends.  I've known he is a man of amazing character and strength.  I've known that there is nothing my husband wouldn't do for someone he loves. As his wife, and the mother of his children, I have seen my husband be our family's fiercest protector and our biggest champion.  This week I saw how far he would go to help a friend . . .

Since I met my husband I've known he's had a friend since 3rd grade.  Though they have lived in separate states their entire adult lives, these two men have remained close and have "done life" together for nearly 40 years.  These friends, whose friendship was formed on an elementary school playground, are now 45 and have seen each other through girlfriends, breakups, marriages, a divorce, re-marriage, the birth of their children, sick siblings, etc. 

Tuesday morning we got word that this friend's mom had passed away in their hometown, 200 miles from where we live.  Upon hearing the news of Mrs. M's passing, my husband called his boss and took the rest of the week off to be available to his friend.  Over the past few days I have seen just how far my husband will go to do whatever he can to help his hurting friend and I am incredibly proud to be his wife.  While his friend began the grieving process my husband was by his side, just as he has been for years, and like he will be for the rest of their lives.

I got home last night to find this posted on my facebook wall from our friend's wife : "The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. "  ~ Elisabeth Foley

The truth is my husband doesn't see his actions over the past few days as anything special, but I think that's what makes him even more remarkable. In this day and age it's rare to find friends and friendships that last decades and remain strong.  Have I mentioned how proud I am to be married to this man?