.
In my mind’s eye I can still visualize two little girls wheeling their baby carriages down the streets of Smalltown, U.S. A. in the mid 1940’s. Little would it be known then, that they would be at each other’s beckon call, so far, forever? If I need a friend, I call Martha on the east coast. If Martha needs a friend, she calls me on the west coast. Neither of us has been without a friend in need, indeed. We are always there for each other no matter what, and a lot of no matter what’s have been in our lives.
When you know Martha is just a phone call away, it smooth’s out your life so much that you do not even feel the bumps and you surely sail over all other humps and lumps that Martha smooth’s. I have noticed my true friend cares what she can do for me, and her concerns seem to revolve around me at my time of need. That is such a warm and healing feeling. A true friend enriches your life and you, theirs, in return.
What I have learned from my friend Martha is to make myself available, listen, be accepting, offer ideas that are helpful, and certainly be patient, and be supportive. How do I know; my friend showed me so.
Martha has gone through some pretty thick and thin times and so have I. We are about even on that score, but recently her side got so much thicker. This time I worried about being enough of a support for her. I acted immediately to be there for her, to listen and be responsive. Martha wasn’t there; she was off in a cloud of pressure. All she could do was ask me what she could do for me. Oh Martha, you sweet dear Martha, we both will need to do for each other. You said, “I value your friendship and let us take the days as they come. This is my fight and I will do it with your help.”
Days passed into months and soon a year was over. We talked and talked. As time passed, she relied on me to tell her what I did that day. We got down to the nitty gritty of peeling apples for applesauce. When given apples, what else, make applesauce. After all is said and done, applesauce is the heart of the matter.
If ever there is a time I need a friend like Martha, it is now. Today she is not here and she will only forever after be here in my mind. Goodbye Martha, I will still talk to you everyday in my inside voice. I will remember something you have said to me everyday. I will not forget you, and I know somewhere you are remembering me. I love you Martha.
Sheilaclapkin's Blog; 
Jun 07, 2014 @ 23:03:59
Sheila….I treasure your your thoughts
Jun 08, 2014 @ 07:45:22
Tom, I treasure your comment! I treasure your friendship.
Jun 08, 2014 @ 11:28:25
Beautiful. I’m glad you had a friend like Martha, they are indeed hard to come by, though extremely difficult to lose. Sending love your way during these difficult times… ❤
Jun 08, 2014 @ 14:12:36
Lovely Lady You are beautiful and I do so appreciate your love being sent my way!
Jun 08, 2014 @ 23:07:53
This brought a tear to my eye. Few people have friendships this long, strong, or meaningful. Thank you for sharing your experiences!!! GF
Jun 10, 2014 @ 09:32:04
Gary, you are a special friend sharing your wisdom. You are doing so well!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Jun 10, 2014 @ 18:03:26
Really sweet Grandma. And I love you
-Carly
Jun 11, 2014 @ 18:48:51
YOU ARE REALLY SWEET MY CARLY!
Jun 10, 2014 @ 19:15:11
What an especially beautiful friendship you and your friend had. I’m so glad WE are friends. Lots of love, Ellen
Jun 11, 2014 @ 18:51:42
WE are lucky to be friends for sure. WE value each other and thank you for all of the kindly things you do for me and for your giggles.
Jun 10, 2014 @ 22:12:34
Oh Sheila, I am SO SORRY for your loss! I also lost my best friend for life and know exactly what you’re feeling. My heart is with you!
Jun 11, 2014 @ 18:50:20
YOU ALWAYS LEND ME YOUR HEART AND I SO appreciate you. Always understanding, kind and honest! Thank you. I count on you so often. Thanks for letting me do that….
Jun 11, 2014 @ 20:40:59
What a beautifully written post! It is a wonderful tribute to Martha, and your friendship. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
P.S. You and Martha were adorable when you were kids.
Jun 12, 2014 @ 08:32:12
Thank you Sheryl, yes, Martha and I will be friends in my mind as long as I an keep it there. Our friendship still works for me.
Jun 12, 2014 @ 15:10:54
Thank you for sharing a piece of your heart. That was beautiful and reflective of how special you are, a lovely friend.
Jun 12, 2014 @ 15:42:28
You I have noticed are a special friend to everyone. Thank you for so much kind attention, Dina.