General Discussion

...not for any expected reward, but because "it's the right thing to do"

That has been my goal. I suppose my lamentations about having a stable life could qualify as 'expecting a reward', but I did not see it that way. I didn't expect it, I worked for it.

But, it never materialized.

The flowers are beautiful.

You also bring to mind one of the lessons I learned way back in the day. I once had to move back to my father's because of the 'business', and that put me over two hundred miles from everyone I knew as a friend at the time. I called them on occasion (and got into trouble with my dad because of it. This was before cell phones and long distance was expensive), and soon I began to notice something.

I was the one doing all of the calling.

So, I decided to call them one more time and to make sure they knew that I was going to be waiting for their call before I called them again. I was diplomatic, but the meaning was plain. So, I did that and then... I waited.

And, waited. And, waited.

You ready for this? Not one person called me. Not. One.

That is when I decided that I would no longer make effort for anyone who was not willing to make an effort for me.

I have never regretted that decision, even as I have reconnected with a few of those people in recent years. I still have not forgiven them for their indifference when I saw them as dear friends. I just decided to reconnect and let things go as they may.

That incident taught me the real meaning of friendship.

And, it still burns.