The Journal of Theo

So many people have come and gone out of my life. Work friends, family, acquaintances, business associates and salespeople. I don't know when someone is really a friend and when they aren't. I thought I'd write my own definition of what I think a friend is so I can compare them to that and then I can know. Someone that loves you the way God loves you. Someone who cares about you but makes sure you don't depend on them for anything. Someone who helps you but doesn't pity you. Someone who knows you can take responsibility for yourself if you just found the way to do that within you. Someone who calls you out when you are wrong but doesn't judge you. Someone who doesn't manipulate you but looks forward to your success and joy in life. Someone who puts distance between yourself and them when either party is being unloving.

My father is the sort of person you're happy to meet and thrilled to separate from. I was on my way to a familiar retreat with him and asking why I decided to join his company again. It had been years since we stopped talking to each other. The trip was stressful, as I knew it would be. But he seemed to enjoy my company despite my many complaints about him. It culminated in a visit to a vegan pizza place I knew and loved. My father was reluctant about the food but always interested in meeting new people and having new experiences. While my father sat down in the middle of the restaurant, I went up to order. I told the lady behind the counter which slices in the display I wanted. She passed them to another man who seemed annoyed to be bothered. He took a look at the slices and said, "These aren't good." I started and quickly asked, "Are you sure? They seem fine to me." "No, these aren't good, they're too old." Then, as if to prove his point,...