Alien Friendships …
Jan 30, 2016 02:35PM ● By Annette Briggs (Owner/Publisher)
Someone once said, “Friendship is like money—easier made than kept.” True statement and a life lesson well learned by most of us that have experienced the bumps, bruises and dings accumulated over the years from wild and wacky rides on the rollercoaster of friendship. Now, I love theme parks, even the twists, turns and exhilarating highs and lows of rollercoasters; however, when it comes to friendship … I prefer a much more stable, safe and predictable experience, guided by the guardrails of wisdom.
On the journey of life, finding a true friend (more than one, if you’re lucky) is an essential element of the human experience. True friendship, this month’s editorial theme, should be a treasure chest of precious jewels, such as mutual sacrifice, sympathy, love, healing, encouragement, understanding and forgiveness—all rare commodities in today’s world filled with those in pursuit of nothing more than superficial Facebook and Twitter followers. Such individuals are looking for fans not friends.
When it comes to painting a picture of true friendship, I believe no movie better illustrates that than E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a 1982 blockbuster science fiction classic still very popular today. Coproduced and directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie tells the harrowing story of an unlikely friendship between a lonely boy, named Elliott, played by Henry Thomas, and the extraterrestrial “E.T.” Elliott befriends the pint-sized, adorable alien who finds himself stranded on Earth. The two develop a deep, loving bond as Elliott risks his very life to protect E.T. from harm and potential danger—ultimately helping E.T. to go home. Their friendship was put to the ultimate test, challenged by sickness, pursuing enemies, difficult circumstances, and even deep cultural and personality differences (ya’ think!). Through it all … persistence and dedication to their bond of unwavering love prevails as E.T. finds his way back home—such a great story!
The interesting thing is that the concept for the film was based on an imaginary friend Spielberg created as a child in 1960 after his parents' divorce. During this time, he filled his life void with an imaginary alien companion. Reflecting, Spielberg stated the imaginary alien was a “friend who could be the brother I never had and a father that I didn't feel I had anymore.” Think of that … a movie that made millions birthed out of an essential need for companionship.
Finding a true friend and companion can be like befriending an alien in a way. First of all … it’s RARE! Secondly, in a true friendship, one must learn to accept, embrace and sometimes tolerate an individual’s unique qualities and differences, even if they are completely unlike that of our own. This can prove quite challenging when the individuals come from two distinctly different worlds and cultural backgrounds. However, it is possible, and the recipe for friendship should always remain the same: one founded on the “precious jewels” of virtue referred to earlier—essential and irreplaceable ingredients.Whether buying a ticket for a rollercoaster ride or befriending an “alien,” the calculated risks are real. Even so, it is well worth it, and the potential lifelong rewards are priceless. Find a good friend … Better yet, be an irreplaceable friend.
A friend always,
