Old friends are like diamonds -
Treasures and rare.
Those
two lines are from a poem I know. I was recalling these when Lyle and I
reconnected with an old friend. We met John nearly thirty years ago
when he came to Canada as in Australian exchange teacher. What a great
year that was as we watched John exploring and enjoying the vagaries of
his first cold Alberta winter.
When John
returned to Australia we kept in touch. We stayed in sporadic contact
when he moved to Hong Kong. In fact, our son even flew to Hong Kong and
spent a week with John. From there, we almost lost touch as we went
our separate ways - but the best thing about really good friends is that
you can pick up again at any time. That’s what happened this past week
when Lyle and I finally made it to Hong Kong.
Our
stay in the city was brief but John made it memorable. In spite of his
own busy schedule as an artist and teacher, he made time for us. He
opened his heart and showed us a glimpse of this bustling city. It was
if the intervening years hadn’t existed. That’s what it is like to be
“good friends” with someone.
Now, because I am
writing this post to White Cane Connections, I want to add in addition
to being an excellent tourist guide, John was also an excellent sighted
guide. He seemed to know by instinct not to push me or try to steer me.
Instead he allowed me to hold his arm as he led the way. He alerted
me to the beginnings of steps and escalators, of which there were many,
and guided me around obstacles on the footpath, of which there also
seemed to be many.
John, thanks for your generosity, your hospitality, and for being such a good friend.
There is a picture with this post of Lyle, John, and myself. I am holding my white cane.
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| Lyle, Sue, and John |
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