A Boundless Friendship
Posted December 17, 2009
Terry: "Frank reminds me daily of the way I believe I am supposed to live."
TERRY'S FRIEND, Frank, calls him every morning at 6:50 a.m. Like clockwork. Terry is accustomed now to stand by the phone at 6:49 a.m. “If by chance, I don’t answer, he continues calling me until I pick up,” says Terry.
“Hey buddy” is Frank’s greeting. Clearly, a declaration of Terry’s role in his life, and Terry affirms Frank’s role in his life -- “Hey buddy,” Terry replies.
Their first conversation of the day lasts maybe all of two minutes. Frank tells Terry what the weather is like, or that Frank has just finished shaving, or to just “check in” since their last conversation the evening before. But at 6:50 a.m. every morning, Frank gives Terry a daily wake-up call on life and in his own way, reminds us all of the ageless truth. There are no boundaries to love.
Frank and Terry met eight years ago. Their lives are seemingly far apart from one another. Frank is 78 years old. He has never had a career and lives alone in a one room, high-rise apartment. He has never traveled more than 60 miles from his home and has never had a wife or children. Terry is 57 years old. He owns his own company, and lives in a lovely home. He has traveled extensively, and has a wife, children and grandchildren. But one day, their paths crossed, and the boundaries that could have kept their friendship from ever beginning, were taken away. They became friends instantly.
Over the years, their friendship has grown. They sit together most Sundays in church. They have breakfast or lunch together usually once a week. Until recently, Frank’s apartment was one block away from Terry’s office. And for six years, Frank greeted Terry every morning as he came to work. They would chat, and Frank would leave only to return four more times during the day just to check in with Terry.
“It didn’t matter if I was in a client meeting,” Terry says. “I remember one important business presentation when something was on his mind, and Frank walked right into the meeting. He sat patiently next to my client until the presentation was over. I decided right then, if my client had a problem with Frank, they wouldn’t be the right client. The client loved Frank.
“Frank never holds back in showing his friendship and love for me. We laugh together, cry together, worry together, and joke together. He affectionately punches me without warning. He hugs me. When I was diagnosed with cancer, Frank was openly concerned and cried. If I get a cold or appear tired, he worries. I have no other friend who openly shows me this overflowing love.”
Many people have mistaken Terry’s relationship with Frank as Terry’s “cause.” That Frank is some charitable case taken on by Terry out of the goodness of his heart. Nothing could be further from the truth. Terry quickly points out that they are friends – good friends.
“Frank reminds me daily,” says Terry “of the way I believe I am supposed to live. The way I believe the world should live. Frank loves without condition. He doesn’t care about my successes or my failures. He doesn’t care who I voted for, what clubs I belong to, or who I know. He looks within. He sees beyond.”
Terry pauses and then concludes, “Frank reminds me every day that perhaps the best friends we may ever find may hide behind exteriors that appear to be so very different from ourselves. Frank reminds me that to love my fellow man truly means to remove the boundaries from my heart. It means to be like Frank, to look within and to see beyond.
“I guess eight years ago, in my hidden arrogance and in the pride sneaking around the corner of my heart, maybe, I thought I was rescuing Frank. The truth is inescapable. It was Frank who rescued me.”
Friends, FRANK and TERRY, a Regions customer.
comments (40)
Frank is in our branch at least three times a week. He is the sweetest old man and always makes us laugh. He always makes sure he speaks to EVERYONE before he leaves. Frank really does have a heart of Gold
Nicole WThis article was truly inspiring. It shows that true friendship really has no boundaries, no price and no labels.
Spenser WilkinsonGreat story!!
Cinda HoneycuttI think this is a beautiful story!!
S. CologeroThat was a TRUE story of what friendship is really all about. Thank you so much for taking the time to share that with us, it touched my heart in ways you will never know.
TaniaThis is how we should be with everyone we meet because we never what we may be missing out on life. Great story!
LaTasha WrightOh my goodness!! This is one of the most touching and inspiring stories I have ever come by! : ) Love, love, love this story! : D God bless you both!!
Diana CovaciIt's so nice to hear this story!!!! Make us believe that no matter what is still a good heart out there!!! Truly touched me.
Patricia DaSilvaWhat a wonderful story!!
Mary LeachI wish I had a Frank in my life.
rae c.This story is what true unconditional love and friendship is really all about. It is so hard to find. Thank God for all the Franks in the world!!!! We need so many more.
Diane HubnerA wonderful story. Friendship doesn't have an age limit.
Vashone SmithI think the world would be a better place if we all had a Frank in our lives!
Felicia VickersI really enjoyed this article. going through the worst time in my life right now, it's heartwarming to know that such love truly exists.
b nowokunskiThat was truly an amazing story. If only we all can have a "Frank" in our lives the world would be a better place!
D. GravesLOVE this story. So humbling. May we all strive to be like Frank and be receptive like Terry and receive the relationship!
Pam HattFrank reminds me of a relationship my husband and I had for almost 20 years of our 25 years together. We moved next door to Don and Lottie when our now 24 year old daughter was 6 months old. We had so little money then. Don and Lottie taught us how to play pinnochle, they taught us how to laugh at ourselves, how adding a little joy each day into someone's life can make such a big difference. Every year on our anniversary, Don used to call me on the phone and teasingly sing to me....."10 years with the wrong woman!!" then it was 15 years, etc. They are both gone now, but for almost 23 years they were a big part of our "family" and even though they were about 40 years older that we were, we became fast friends and stayed that way until thier deaths. I miss them terribly but am so grateful that we were able to look beyond the surface and find such joy, wisdom and friendship...right next door.
Debbie FYes it would be wonderful to have a Frank in all our lifes but it would be even greater if we could all be a Frank in someone else's life...
Karla KreiderHow inspiring, if everyone was just a little bit like frank, can you imagine how the world would be different
amber mungerIt would be wonderful if more people could love unconditionally. I wish I had a Frank in my life...
SherryBest story ever!
AnnetteI love this story! I hope to be a Frank for someone someday. Thanks for sharing this story!!
MonicaThis is an adorable story...he's just so cute and looks so nice!! That's great that they are there for each other everyday :)
Christine BreezeTHIS STORY BROUGHT ME TO TEARS.
ELEANOR BAbsolutely fabulous story. It simply reminds us that the next person we meet can be our dearest friend forever!
JamieThis story is truly an inspiring story. It expresses how important it is to be a good friend to your fellow man, and how important it is to show someone how special they are!! This story was very warm to the heart (smile),
Karmen CarrSuch a good outlook. When life throws you lemons, make lemonade. Never give into negativity. Smile in your heart and let it affect your mind!
Jessica ManningThis story is exactly what I needed to be reminded of today!!!
KIm LandryWonderful story!!! Beautiful story of true from the heart friendship.
cyndi sapachsuch an inspirational story!
michael scottThanks for sharing such a heartwarming story.
Jackie S.Wonderful story of love and kindness. It illustrates that everyone has something to teach us and everyone is valuable without reference to their circumstances.
Lynda AdamsonI love love love this story! It was amazing to read this and to know that they have such a great bond:)
Heidi LedfordIron sharpens iron and it does it with love.
Michael HutchinsonLife is so precious, and this story is so inspiring. If each of us would take time to care for others as they did for each other--our world would be a better place. This is what true friendship is really all about. Thank you so much for taking the time to share that with us – it touched my heart.
Lori LBeautiful story! God always sends people into our lives at the right moment.
Sylvia HardyWOW!!! Its true!! God puts people in our lives to rescue us.. I was saved and now its time to give back.
nelly purrinosThis is so unexpected from a BANK! I absolutely LOVE this- Thanks Regions! We need more "Good" stories, thanks for sharing!!!
Denise & MarkThat's an awesome friend!!! Everyone should have a friend like that......that you may enjoy every moment with them and live life to the fullest..........
valerieWhat a great story. So true that we should all be a little more like Frank in someone's life and for those of you who do have a Frank in your life, treasure them.
Kim