Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The apple with worms

As best as my imperfect auditory memory recalls, a treasured friend of mine asked "If you have to give a friend an apple, what kind of apple would you give to your friend?"

My natural response was to give the best possible to my friend even if I were to be left with a rotten one.

My treasured friend later made a statement that left a strong impression in me, and it went, "If the person is a good friend, the good friend will be willing to share the apple that's full of worms with you and help pick out the worms from the apple with you."

The verbally-reserved yours truly did not tell this treasured friend of mine that when that statement was made, my response deep within was that "You are a friend whom I'm willing to pick out the worms from the apple with. Could I?"

I wish for the wisdom and the skills to be able to be of service to this friend whenever that is needed.

At the same time, a part of me reminded me that I need to be mindful of the way I go about doing so. I've came to realised through many painful lessons of self-awareness, that when I deeply want to do something, I can do it with such great intensity, it can get overwhelming. One example is that of practising on the double bass when I deeply want to practise. I would practise even if it is weird hours of the night, e.g. close to midnight.

***
...Thank you for being a treasured friend of mine and for the many positive and very precious memories that you have given me. Please let me know if there's any way I can be a good friend, of yours.

4 comments:

Doreen said...

PY, honestly, after following your blog for quite some time, I found that you're a very loyal friend, some one who always be very thoughful and treasure your friendship very much. Your friends are lucky to have you, and of course I know you feel the same way towards them too.

oceanskies79 said...

Doreen: I am deeply thankful for my good friends.

mistipurple said...

You are indeed a good friend. I would love to share an apple with you, though if it could be changed to a papaya, i'll be happier because apples are a little too sour for my liking.
But nontheless, if apple is what you'd like, I'll sit and pick the worms all day with you.
er...
you know what i mean.
i treasure you lah.

oceanskies79 said...

Mistipurple: Thank you for your friendship. I'm touched.