"To Be or Not To Be"

The two questions of the week have been; what is family, and what is a friend?

One who is loyal beyond all disagreement?
Or is the saying, "good fences make good neighbors" more applicable in truth?
One who is honorable and trustworthy in the face adversity, pain, and betrayal?
One who "watches your back" and stays true to the end, despite pressure
of societal issues?
One who stands on both solid feet, at your side, and will not be moved?
One who takes each individual opinion, and balances it with truth,
integrity, and is willing to listen first, and talk later?

From the moment I was born, I was a very independent soul.
I raised my little fist in independence, and individualistic defiance,
in my 9 month old pictures. I have always been a free spirit.
My mother tells me that she never could get her own way with me. LAUGH*
(She preferred her own selfish motives to the detriment of others.
That took a lot to admit to. Who wants to say that about one's mother?)
Despite that, I was taught to believe in love, loyalty, honesty, integrity, goodness, truth,
and to remain "true blue" to family and friend.
Idealistic? Perhaps. 

Family and friend are loved beyond their short comings, their growing up,
their humanity.
We are in the world together, and we need each other. Some people do not
like the word, "need" but the truth is, we have all been weak, low, sick, or have
deep blows in life that cost us our "hope." That is the point when others gather
around us, and offer shelter from the storm.

Have I been betrayed?
Have I sustained wounds from family and friend(s)?
Have I felt all alone in those moments of the dark night of the soul?

You already know the answer.

If you want to be family, or my friend, your bottom line is character.
If you want to be counted as a close part of my inner circle, you are loyal,
you look past OUR frailties and faults, and you offer genuine love that
is laced with a mile of grace.

Carol