Chris
I posted my status on FaceBook as “Michael is looking for a topic to blog about … any suggestions?” My best friend Chris was the first with a response. He posted on my “wall” that I should blog about him. I’m certain Chris didn’t know what he was getting himself into. I happen to know that, for some people, taking praise is harder than accepting criticism. Like myself, Chris is one of those persons. Unlike myself however, Chris is deserving of much praise.
You see, Chris is my best friend. For the privilege (tongue in cheek) of carrying such title, he has to take a lot of grief. For one thing, he is straight but people often presume that he is gay because I am and we are close. Sometimes people ask him if he is and that makes for awkward moments that he wouldn’t otherwise have to deal with, I’m certain.
Chris also does a lot for me. I’m sort of disabled and Chris is younger and much more able bodied and has way more energy than I do. When I was in the hospital for my surgery in 2006, Chris did almost everything for me! He cut my grass, shoveled my walk and drove me around. He replaced my PVC plumbing with copper pipe for Pete’s sake! He still cuts my grass from time to time and trims my hedges as I find that nearly impossible given my current health.
He listens when I’m down and uses me when he’s down which makes me feel needed. We never seem to both down at the same time – which is a good thing. He is wise beyond his years when it comes to offering sage advice and is an unaccountable fool when it comes to taking his own advice.
We talk everyday and a day without Chris is truly a day without sunshine for me!
