I have a friend who is like no other I’ve ever
known. My friend is not part of my
Rummoli group; nor has my friend ever gone dress shopping with me or swapped
pregnancy experiences or shared a bottle of suntan lotion on a sunny
beach. My friend’s caring and generosity
of spirit is not exclusively mine, but I am proud and happy to share that love
with so many other grateful people.
I have a friend who places the wellbeing of others at the
top of his priority list. From phone
calls during times of stress, to personal visits, to handwritten messages of
encouragement, to bouquets of brightly colored flowers, to cards of condolence
or congratulation, my friend never misses any opportunity to bring comfort or a
smile to the lives of those he encounters.
His numerous little acts of kindness spin a web of happiness in an ever
expanding circle of benevolence.
I have a friend who expresses his Christian faith in a
way that is simplistic and non-judgemental.
My friend sees each and every person in the same light, regardless of
social standing, gender, race or creed.
My friend made his appearance on this earth well over eight decades ago,
but his egalitarianism reflects a surprisingly modern approach to life in this
rapidly changing world. Yet, traditional principles of faithfulness
and family values resonate strongly in his personal ethics and interaction with
other people.
I have a friend who is always ready and willing to listen
when I need a sympathetic ear. I have a
friend who is not afraid to say, “I’ll pray for you.” I have a friend who quietly works behind the
scenes to do whatever he can to lighten the load for others. I have a friend who shuns the spotlight and
steadfastly refuses to be lured by the trappings of his profession’s hierarchy. I have a friend who may never be publicly
acknowledged as a “saint”, but who carries that distinction, nonetheless, in
the hearts of countless people whose lives he has gently touched.
Thank you, Fr. Neil Haight, OMI for being my friend.
