Friendship

"Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit" Aristotle

Last year my son Josh was looking for a new apartment and a roommate to live with. Over the summer break Josh was involved with several projects and he waited for the last minute to find a place. The leasing company found another medical student that needed a roommate and fortunately he was in the same class as Josh. At first I asked Josh how they got along. He said that they got along fine but they both kept to themselves. Secretly I was disappointed because Josh always built good friendships that he nurtured and maintained through time. I stopped asking about his roommate. Meanwhile as time marched on what may have started as small conversations as they passed each other through their days grew into a close and cherished friendship. Suraj and Josh studied for exams, they had a common ground and they thought alike. At White Coat ceremony which marks the end of basic science education and the beginning of clinical rotations the students were elated to receive their white coats. The sound of bagpipes filled the auditorium and the air in the room was one of swollen pride. Their voices reciting their class code of ethics. Right after the ceremony students were congratulating one another with warm handshakes and embraces. Josh looked through the crowd to find his friend. I listened to their laughter and I could feel the mutual respect they had for one another. As a mom I remembered as if it was yesterday the first day of preschool. I found happiness in the stories Josh told me of the friends he had made. Even now, he is a grown young man I am grateful for good friends in his life.  Sometimes we find a  kindred spirit without searching. Sometimes we find a great friendship at our doorstep.