Several years ago, I ran into a woman with whom I was stuffing envelopes at a local classical music station. After starting to speak, we discovered that we had much in common. The ironic part of this is that she is my daughter's age, and I am a few years younger than her father. It didn't take long for me to discover that she was a very special human being. I had spent most of my life feeling alone, and hadn't been able to find another woman with whom I could communicate as well. Meeting her was rather miraculous, and by the time we were finished with the job, we had exchanged telephone numbers and made plans to meet soon again.

Much time has passed since that day, and my original impression has been corroborated often. When she still lived in Las Vegas, we would meet for coffee and dessert once in a while. Our conversations were delightful happenings, and I was thankful to the fates for bringing her into my life.

Having lived more than eighty years, it never ceases to amaze me that a much younger person should want to be my friend. However, perhaps I was able to provide something that had been missing from her life. I truly feel grateful that this woman, who I refer to as my angel, remains integral to making my days on this planet far better than they had been before.

Friendship is a rather mystical thing. Most of us rarely meet individuals with whom we can share our deepest feelings, and who can lift our spirits immeasurably when we feel alone. What is really significant is that what friendship offers is a learning experience. After years searching for my own answers, she has opened my eyes to the importance of prayer, as I know that she prays for me daily when she attends mass.

All I wish for others like myself is that they are fortunate enough to receive this kind of gift. Long ago I believed that computers would dehumanize people. Now, in light of the distance that has kept us from face to face communication, I am thankful for the opportunity that my computer furnishes to reach out to her and to benefit from the wisdom she is able to offer me. There is no question: friends do bring magic into our lives when we least expect it.

What I have shared here is a truth from which we all can learn. The things that people value are often tangible, but what really matters is the love and kindness received from a friend. That is where one can find the sense of peace for which they have searched throughout their days. Real friends are a rarity, and God has blessed me having her presence in my life.