Sometimes You Need to Lose Something to Appreciate It

A few years ago, I had to spend a period in hospital after developing DVT, deep vein thrombosis, a painful condition in my leg. I was still young, not even thirty at that point, but lying restlessly in bed for hours on end was a real wake-up call. It made me realise I’d taken my health for granted. I’d assumed that I was invincible, that I would always be fit and well, despite the obvious damage I’d done to myself as an addict living on the streets.

To my surprise, the absence of Bob hit me almost as hard. He had become my ever-present companion by that point. Always there to cheer me up.

As a result, I missed him really badly when I was in hospital. For obvious reasons, he couldn’t come along and visit me.

When I was discharged, that first night back in my flat with him was as big a boost to my spirits as any doctor’s diagnosis or any medicine they could have dispensed for me in the hospital. Any spell away from him now reminds me of that time, and reinforces my appreciation of how lucky I am to have him in my life.

Sometimes – as with your health – you have to lose someone’s friendship in order to appreciate its true value.