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Who says you cant learn things from your elders even at 55 years old. That is exactly what happened to me yesterday.

I attended the funeral of one of my father’s best friends. This group of guys met in elementary school in Detroit in the 1930’s and became best friends for life. In my father’s case 60+ years with best friends he never fought with. In the case of these two gentlemen 70+ years of best friendship. http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2-michigan-men-share-70-years-of-golf-and-friendship/26764550

These friends had a weekly golf foursome that carried on for over 60 years. They also had a 5 man pinochle game that lasted the same number of years. Sure they had disagreements but they never fought. As a kid growing up in my parents house this was taken for granted. I just thought everyone had friends like this. Was I wrong.

It became pretty evident as I got older the depth of this friendship my Dad had with these friends. It also taught me over the years you cant make new “old” friends so be careful when you draw that line in the sand when it comes to your friendships. You have to treasure those you have become close friends with. I certainly know who I can lean on. I have friends close by and far away that I lean on. Some of whom I have never fought with and some I have but I knew these were not friendships to throw away.

What happened yesterday had such a profound effect on me. The last remaining member of my father’s friends came over to speak to my sister and I and he was visibly emotional. His eyes red and wet, voice breaking he said this to us. ” I am so lucky, so blessed, that by chance I was seated at a table with those guys in elementary school. It was the beginning of a life long friendship that I am so grateful for”.

What he didn’t say but we knew was the extraordinary depth of this friendship and in this moment of saying goodbye to one of his best friends he had the grace to be so eternally grateful for that random meeting of his two future best friends. Friends who have been through all of life’s happy moments and sad moments and everything in between. It was a conversation I will never forget.

It also taught me a valuable lesson. I am going to call my friends today. You should too.