A friend to the end

I directed and edited a documentary a few years ago called The Bronx Boys. It was a great testament to friendship, as this group of men have been friends since kindergarten. When I was shooting the film, they were celebrating their 70th birthdays. One of the great quotes from the film is:

“Make friends and keep them. Because even though you wind up in a love relationship, and a family relationship, there's nothing like the old shoes. And your old shoe that's comfortable is your old buddy.”
– Jim Roth

I think that's a great sentiment. Today, Mike (my longest friend, from high school), a guy I think of as a brother, sent me a funny poem that really gets to the heart of what it is to be a friend.

True Friendship

1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and
plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever
is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you finally got laid.

4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it
every chance I get.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible
stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until
you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your
clumsy ass.

9. This is my oath..... I pledge it to the end. "Why?"
you may ask; "because you are my friend".

10. Remember:
A good friend will help you move.
A REALLY good friend will help you move a body.
Let me know if you ever need me to bring a shovel.

--- Thanks Mike. I love you too Bro.

~~~