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When I was ill with a terrible cold—the kind that makes you feel miserable and you can  barely move your body from one room to another—a friend called and said, “I am at the grocery store, what may I pick up for you?” I responded, “Oh I would love some orange juice and three cans of chicken noodle soup.”   Later she delivered my request and even heated for me the chicken noodle soup.  It tasted so soothing and made my body feel better, and the kind thoughtful gesture made my soul smile.  (Yes, it is true; Chicken Soup is good for the soul.)

Another time, after surgery, another friend said, “I go grocery shopping on Fridays; so, please email (or call) me with your grocery list.  I want to bring you groceries, and if you wish, when I deliver the groceries, I will fix us a cup of coffee or tea.”  Her offer made me realize that she really wanted to get me groceries and she even wanted to spend some coffee time with me. Both offers were gifts to me.

I also remember reading that when Brian Mansfield was struggling with colon cancer, his friend called each week and asked, “I’m coming over what may I bring you?” I smiled when Brian added, “if I didn’t give him a list, he just decided what I might like and brought those items.  One week he brought a box of bagels, a couple of Bruce Springsteen bootlegs and an autographed album from JD, Southern.”

I hope that everyone has friends like these!!

photo credit: Matthew Hurst (http://bit.ly/25wQPJd)