Healing Power of Friendship

I have been humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and friendship sent my way this past weekend. I posted some pretty raw emotions last week and my oldest and dearest friends heard my whistle and came running to my rescue. I feel so much stronger now just being reminded about how many people are in my corner cheering me on.

This morning I received the most thoughtful heartfelt message from my “brothers from different mothers.” We’ve been walking together for over three decades. We’ve shared so many experiences, in good times, in difficult ones, in life, in relationships, and business. We traveled together far and wide. I know whether we talk weekly, monthly, or many months go by, we are always connected. I also know they are with me and behind me all along this journey..

When I read the words “know that your experience, fears, insights are having a meaningful impact on all of us and everyone in your world.. As you heal, we heal. Each of us are awakening to a new chapter, and your writings are elevating our willingness to turn the page. Through your keystrokes we are reading between the lines………………………………Your reasons to live remind us of our own, and your courage moves hope up the field.”

Wow! Just wow! I felt like I had a golf ball stuck in my throat and had to “take a minute” to catch my breath and wipe the tears away.

Doug Greene, Steve Demos, me and Drake Sadler in Costa Rica in 2017.

Then, Lex Alexander, a very dear friend of 35 years, posted on Facebook what our friendship means to him. I was overwhelmed with love and emotion just reading it. Not many men can make themselves as vulnerable as Lex did, and on social media no less.

Lex and I first met back in 1982 at one of the very first NATURAL FOOD EXPO trade shows in Anaheim. We shared a panel together about retailing cheese if memory serves. Both being southerners, we hit it off and had dinner that night. The next day Lex said to me something along the lines of “you are I are a lot alike, we both from the south, we are both Democrats, and both single handicap golfers. There are’t many of us around, we should stick together.” We have ever since! Full disclosure, Lex was a professional golfer and I was no where near that good. I’ve shared more meals with him than anyone on earth with the exception of my family, and certainly played more rounds of golf with him than anyone else. Some of the best and memorable moments of my life have been with my buddy Lex. I feel honored to be his friend.

Lex in his “dress flannels”

In 2009, Lex had a very serious stroke while visiting our home. He ended up in the MUSC hospital in Charleston for three weeks or so after life saving surgery. I was there daily to help his wife Ann nurse him back to good health. It was an experience none of us will ever forget and brought us all closer. And now as fate would have it, the worm has turned, and its Lex and Ann’s turn to help me. They are doing so with energy and enthusiasm and without hesitation.

Countless numbers of you have sent me messages via this blog, on social media and good old snail mail (love those). I’ve heard from friends, and co-workers I literally haven’t heard from in over 20 years. I feel so blessed. Thank you.

I share this because I think there is a lesson here for all of us. It takes the power of love and friendship to face the greatest challenges in your life. The strength and determination I feel to not only get through this, but to excel at this transplant is more than just what’s inside of me. I feel the power of a community “moving hope up the field.”

Thank you to each and everyone of you reading this blog. I’m truly humbled by your support.