To listen to the story,
to offer a listening ear,
to share the burden in the heart
is a rare value we find in life.
To respect the other
regardless of the standards
and rooting for the other
without a need for evidence
is what I appreciate from a friend.
As I watch the crow’s feet growing deeper
in the eyes of the friend
I once knew from my childhood
I wonder what a blessing it was to have met such person.
12.20.2025
Ralph with Coffee 