"A true friend is the greatest of life's assets that will come your way. Never underestimate their value in your life and the part they play in your overall sense of well-being and happiness.
Let me stand up and be counted; I knew I loved my Sheila the moment I first fancied her, but I never knew how much I loved her until she became my friend. I often need to be on my own, but I also need friends that I can call on. I need people I know who don't speak idle words and false platitudes to keep our friendship going. I want friends with the courage to say 'talk, shut up and listen', and to feel comfortable in doing so. Give me a friend who will neither abandon me in a storm nor shelter from my upset.
Though I may be strong, I will be stronger by having a true friend by my side when I am cold, cheerless and in need of companionship. What I don't need is a friend to falsely flatter or fawn my affection. I don't need a carbon copy of me to reinforce my substance of being; by doing what I do whenever I choose to do it: my shadow does that well enough.
What I need in a true friend is all you are when you are at your best. I need you, Sheila Forde xxx" William Forde: January 21st, 2018.