Who Is Your Most Surprising Friend?

[Daryn Kagan]

I have a wonderful story today about two fighter pilots who tried to shoot each other down during the Vietnam War. After all, one was flying for America, the other for North Vietnam. Today they are becoming the best of friends. Watch and enjoy. And please share--who is your most surprising friend? Who are you close to today that you never imagined would be in your life and your heart?

[Sophia Andrews]

I have a new friend whom I met at the cemetery of all places! That's where I go to run...I know it's a little strange, but it is a beautiful place, and a perfect cross between running on a road or a track and running in the woods. It's safe, and I know all the workers. I'd noticed an elderly gentleman who showed up nearly every time I went for a run. We would smile and wave at each other for the longest time. I finally went over and introduced myself a couple of weeks ago. His name is John Snyder, and he goes out to the cemetery every single day to visit his wife. They were married just out of high school, and were together for 63 years (He's currently 87 years old). They have a beautiful story and she was the love of his life. He was there with her in the hospital bed when she died from a heart attack two years ago. Now, when I go running, I go over and say hello to John, and we chat. He is so touched and grateful for our little conversations. He says that not too many young people would take the time to talk to an old person like him. He gets lonely, and truly appreciates talking with me. It isn't a chore for me, though. I am always eager to learn from those who are older and wiser. I am grateful for his beautiful example of marriage devotion...even though his wife has passed away, he is still dedicated to her. All relationships starts with exciting novelty-based romance, but few develop this type of true romance that only happens after spending a lifetime together and/or going through some very rough times. I wouldn't say that John is my most surprising friend...I have a lot of those. But, he's definitely one of my most inspiring friends, and the story of how we met is pretty unusual.

[Erin]

When I saw this title yesterday, I began formulating a reply in my head - before even watching the video. I *do* have some surprising friends. I certainly never thought I'd have a friendly telephone chat with, or do daily work for, a woman who spent 12 years reporting for CNN...

But when I watched the video this morning, I have to admit, all the things I'd been cooking up in my head as comments for this thread went out the window. THIS is an amazing friendship, and a testament to people's ability to forgive and overcome a grudge.

I feel humbled, and a little ashamed, because there are people, one in particular, whose attempt to shoot me out of the skywas only figurative, who I have struggled to forgive.