Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Life without a Laurel

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It's such a shame this photo is so small. I've always loved Laurel and Hardy and, for me, this picture sums up friendship better than anything an airbrushed "Jennifer Aniston and company" picture can.

Shared experiences, both good and bad. The funny moments, the downright miserable moments. The times when you help each other through, the times when you simply drive each other up the wall.

For me, a true friendship can take you through anything life chooses to throw at you. It enhances the pleasures of life, it holds you firm through the rough times.

I've just been watching the Steve Irwin memorial and one thing that touched me above anything was the number of people who considered Steve their friend. Steve was the kind of person ready to reach out and touch anybody, anytime. Steve had time for everyone.

That made me reflect a little. In the past couple of weeks, I've been shut away in this room, under a lot of pressure with my thesis due. I've hardly seen my family, I've definitely not seen any of my friends in quite a while. I've basically had time for no one.

The sad thing is that I guess I'm not alone in this. While the current pressures will pass, others will take their place.

As our lives get busier, things become more hectic, it's really an easy thing to let friendships lapse. We always feel confident somehow that our friendships will be there waiting for us whenever we're ready. We assume that the telephone and email will bridge the gap but it lacks the spontaneity and warmth of true interaction.

The psychological benefits of friends cannot be underestimated. We should all take a leaf out of Steve's book.

So, for today, the thesis can wait.

I'm the "Hardy" in the photo above. I'm off to check in with my "Laurel".

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a really good post. The firends will do you better today than what the thesis will. Thank you for reminding me of what is important.

Alison said...

Thanks HP. Sweet words indeed.

Miette said...

I hear you... it is so easy to get "thesis tunnel vision".
~Miette

jumpinginpuddles said...

lol see id get all my friends over to help me write the thesis that way you can do two at once ;)

HP said...

Hi Cathy,

Thanks. Such true words.

I still can't read/write comments on your blog. I haven't upgraded because I'm wary. Loved the cat story though - out of the mouth of babes...

Hey Alison,
A day off was just what was ordered! My poster presentation is done so that's one less stress.

Hi Miette,
Yep. Where's that light at the end of the tunnel?

Hi JIP,
Brilliant idea! Wonder if I can bribe them with pizza?

Fat Doctor said...

Take a break. Doctor's orders. And eat chocolate. That's not an order, I just want to live vicariously through you for awhile. :)

HP said...

Hey FD. You must be feeling vicariously 'stuffed' right now. Lindt ball anyone?

PG said...

Nice post - keeping up with friends and life outside of school really gets pushed to the backburner during the more stressful times.

I think it's important, in terms of sanity and productivity, to be balanced.

HP said...

What's sanity, PG? :)

signing as said...

Funny you should post this, I havent seen anone for months and a few days ago invited them all MY lost friends for BBQ drop in...arrive when you want go when you want...looking forward to seeing those caring people.