| 'Ed and Abe' |
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One of the more touching stories to come from the tragedy of September eleventh is this one. It is a story about friendship.
Most of us consider ourselves to be good friends. We promise to be there for people, to help them, to never forsake them. We stand by those promises as long as it is convenient, as long as that relationship is balanced. We keep score. We give, but we must remind one another of what we have done, and when.
The fragility of relationships is found in how often that circle changes. If we are honest, we change friends, for the most part like we trade automobiles. When a new one comes into the picture, or one that is easier to like, we quickly warm to them. Then, nearly as quickly, cool off.
The story of Ed and Abe is a barometer for us all. Ed, a quadrapalegic since he was in his early twenties was a computer programmer in one of the World Trade Towers.
Abe was one of those kind spirits that naturally migrated to people in need. They became fast friends. Abe would cook for Ed and take care of him. There was considerable age difference, but both of the men relied on their faith and on one another to get through life.
When the planes hit, Ed was at his desk on the twenty-seventh floor. Instead of allowing his disabilty to keep him at home, he went to work every morning. Abe was there too, and so was Ed's caregiver.
As soon as the planes hit, the two men instructed her to go and get help. Abe insisted on staying with Ed, until help arrived.
Ed was a big man. He weighed nearly three hundred pounds, and stood over six feet. It would take a number of resue workers to carry him to safety, and Abe would stay with him until they arrived.
As minutes passed, they began to call loved ones, to assure them they were together, and they were okay.
Then, came that horrific moment that we will never forget. The buildings, in a matter of minutes were gone. So too, were the lives of best friends. Abe could have fled the building in terror, or went to get help. He could have used any number of good excuses to leave his friend. I am sure Ed pleaded with him, at some point to save himself.
Abe would not go. He would perish next to his friend. He didn't pull out his scorecard to see if Ed owed him one.
He laid down his life. He sacrificed himself, because of the love he had for another man.
Jesus told us that was the "greatest" love that you or I could possess.
The next time I feel compelled to say to a friend, "I'll do anything for you", perhaps Ed and Abe will help me to understand what that really means.
"No one has greater love than the one who lays down his life for his friends."
John 15:13
Out of the Box...I'm Robin Guidicy
tsfg@bellsouth.net
Gal. 2:20
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