We often take our friends and neighbours for granted. I’m sure it’s not intentional. We’re just so used to them being around that we forget the mutual dependance nature of the relationship.

Nothing changes your view of friends or family faster than an emergency or long term terminal illness. It’s amazing who will step out from the woodwork and into the spotlight to assist on an almost daily basis. It’s equally amazing how many who you have assisted in the past will slide back into the shadows after mouthing the expected platitudes and offers of assistance but who have no intention of actually providing any assistance.

People you’d always considered casual acqaintences – those who you’d speak to over a backyard fence, but never spend any additional time with – will arrive at your doorstep with a fully cooked meal on a bad day when you couldn’t imagine trying to get a meal together. They will drive to airports in the middle of night to bring returning family members home. They mow your lawn when doing their own so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to get around to it when there’s free time. They are amazing, wonderful people who you often forget to acknowledge and without whom you couldn’t survive. Saying “thank you” just doesn’t seem to be enough.

Colour me bitter, amazed, grateful, confused, sad, lonely and tired today.

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