by The Seattle Medium, by Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.) https://seattlemedium.com/
(Trice Edney Wire) Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager wrote the song “That’s What Friends Are For” many years ago. Rod Stewart originally recorded it in 1982 for the Night Shift movie’s soundtrack, but Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder’s 1985 rendition is the most well-known.
One cannot not but adore the lyrics and long for a companion like the ones the singers sing about since they are so lovely and priceless. I believe the song was written for a cousin or friend I met when I was a little girl.
Yes, I have had many friends throughout the years, but many of them have passed away. Others have made new acquaintances and moved away. I’ve occasionally been duped or let down by people I believed were friends. I mistakenly believed that some of them were friends. I was wounded. For a very long time, I was depressed and disappointed. I never forgot the people who lied to me, but I did forgive them. I was always fortunate to make new acquaintances. One person will always be unique.
I have never known a better buddy than my cousin Bill Williams. He was born on the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. The bombs had ceased dropping when I was born, thirteen days after the catastrophe. It has been said since we were infants that Bill was destined to defend me after seeing Pearl Harbor. To make sure it was safe for me to enter the world, he came before me, and I did. We lived close to one another, and as we grew older, we were able to see one another frequently. In actuality, we saw one another every single day. We became inseparable as soon as we were able to walk and speak. In order for me to catch up to Bill and walk to school together, Mother ferried us across the river in a boat when we were old enough to do so. Naturally, my cousin Lee, his older brother, was present for added security. We were never bothered.
In first grade, we held hands as we walked to school. Bill grew to be recognized as my security and protector. He never missed a workday! I was always by Bill’s side, helping him button his shirt, which he never managed to get correctly. Together, we completed elementary and high school. He made it a habit to celebrate Mother’s Day at my mother’s house after we moved to various cities and grew up. I was not surprised when he became a police officer and continued to defend me and other people. We kept in touch as adults because he was so unique. Bill and I recognized each other’s birthdays, but hardly anyone else recalled our December birthdays. Jesus’ birthday falls around the same time as yours, thus when you are born in December, Jesus’ birthday always takes precedence over yours!
Bill passed away a few days ago following a protracted illness. I was really lost. I’ve never had a better, more valuable cousin or friend than him. I shall always remember him, even though I will miss him. Along with his parents, Aunt Doretha and Uncle Ezra, as well as my parents, Uncle Jack and Aunt Frances, his brother Lee, my brother Sonny, and other uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends, he is now in heaven. He won’t be alone in heaven, even though I will always miss him. I know that Jesus is there to welcome him, along with our family.
Remember to express your love and gratitude to your true friends, whether they be your cousin or a friend like Bill.
