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A Powerful Realization A message from Radio Ink Chairman Eric Rhoads My friend Jay Abraham just sent this to me — something he got from his friend Joe Polish, which he received from HIS friend Les Brown. Now YOUR friend, Eric Rhoads, is sharing it with you (quite a mind-shattering realization — I think). Many years ago, a newlywed young man was sitting on a couch on a hot, humid day, sipping ice cold juice during a visit to his father. As the young man talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look at his son. “Never forget your friends," he advised. "They will become more important as you get older. “Regardless of how much you love your family and any children you have, you will always need friends. “Remember to go out with them occasionally, do activities with them, call them..." "What strange advice!" thought the young man. "I just entered the married world, I am an adult, and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need to make sense of my life." Yet he listened to his father and kept in touch with his friends — and annually increased their number. Over the years, he became aware that his father knew what he was talking about. Inasmuch as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a man, friends were the bulwark of his life. After 50 years of life, here is what he learned: Time passes… And to the parents, it breaks their hearts as the children go off on their own. Jobs come and go. Illusions, desires, attraction, sex … all weaken. People do not do what they should do… But true friends are always there, no matter how long or for how many miles those races run. A friend is never further away than the reach of your need. Protecting you, intervening in your favor, waiting for you with open arms, and blessing your life. When we started this adventure called LIFE, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrows that were ahead. We did not know how much we would need from each other. Love your parents, take care of your children… ...but keep a group of good friends. Talk with them, accept them, and do not impose your criteria on them. When I (Eric) was 15, my grandmother told me that I should always make lots of friends and stay in touch with them as often as possible. I've worked hard at this throughout my entire career, and it's become very rewarding. At age 90, she told me that her old friends had died off — she had outlived them all — so I should always keep making new and younger friends. She did this and was socially active till her last day. My dad followed her advice and makes friends everywhere he goes. He always follows up, stays in touch with each one, and they each get a Christmas card from him annually. Now, at 90, he too has a rich social life with lots of friends. I feel like a rich man. My wealth is because of the deep and rich friendships I've nurtured over the years and all the places around the world where I’ve made friends. It truly is one of the great gifts in life to have such friendships. I wanted to pass this along, not only to recommend this life enrichment advice, but to thank you for being a part of my life and my tribe.
Eric Rhoads
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