I've heard it said that true love is hard to find, and true friendship even harder. I have come to realize just how true those words are. The sun is shining and it's a beautiful day. My garden is filled with blooms and blossoms, and the critters are scurrying about. It's a perfect day in Wisconsin. Almost perfect, my best friend Norbert passed away five years ago today.
A very unlikely friendship from the beginning, Norbert lived alone and was physically disabled and medically compromised. A chance meeting developed into the sweetest of friendships. Norbert was a gifted singer and musician. Norbert sang with various church groups and was quite popular. He loved to play his guitar. Norbert had a rock-solid faith in his Savior. Norbert considered himself blessed.
The reality was his body was betraying him. Nothing came easy and Norbert quietly suffered for many years. I eventually took over the role of medical guardian. We had made the decision Norbert would be moving into an assisted living home.
His medical and disabilities were just too complex to be managed safely anymore. Norbert was looking forward to meeting new people. I had his room decorated to perfection. Norbert needed only one more thing completed before moving in. He had to have a complete physical and medical work-up at the hospital. He was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital.
The tests were performed, and he was scheduled to stay in the hospital the following day. We spent that day together in anticipation of the next day's move. As evening approached, I had to leave. It was my youngest son's high school graduation. I assured Norbert I would return first thing in the morning. Norbert smiled and said, "you've been the best friend I've ever had." I promptly responded, "you're a dork!". He grabbed my hand again and said, " I'm being serious," to which I responded, " we have been good friends to each other, see you in the morning."
Norbert died a half-hour after I left and took a piece of my soul with him. The arrangements and funeral are all a blur in my memory. Norbert was cheated in this life, yet never felt that way.
People used to tell me how wonderful I was for taking care of him. People often only saw his disabilities as a burden to me. Nothing could be further from the truth. Norbert had an amazing ability to listen. He was a constant and steady support to me. Norbert never let a day pass without checking in on me. Norbert loved that I was learning how to write poetry. He always encouraged me. He saw me and accepted me. Just me, his friend. Norbert blessed my life, and he is missed terribly.
Shortly after his death, he appeared to me in a dream. My friend stood before me fully restored in health and body. He was radiant and smiling. My friend, eternally, singing to Jesus Christ his Savior. THIS is the image replaced in my mind now. An unlikely beautiful friendship indeed! You are missed dear friend.
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