Friendship
I am sure I could think up other examples, but this one springs to mind.

A, small, back story. I was in Edinburgh at Uni, Ross was in Birmingham (at Uni) and Euan was at his parents in High Wycombe. It was February. Euan birthday was coming up, and Ross and I were arranging a visit.

It all started, really, when I had hung up, having booked my tickets to Birmingham (train to there and a lift to High Wycombe), the phone to Ross, telling him the times and dates. Then it hit me, "why not lie and say I can't make it". So I called Ross back and told him of my plan and that I would double check with Euan's mum. Several calls late, and it was all set. Euan was informed that, due to a heavy workload, I would be unable to attend the weekend in question.

I made my way to Birmingham, Ross and I set off to High Wycombe.

We were both excited, really looking forward to the weekend. Euan called Ross en route, to double check times, I kept quiet. Then my phone rings, "shit, Euan's calling", Ross and I panic a little. I thought we were busted. Nope he had dialled me by mistake. He sounds down, asked if I was sure I couldn't make it, I lied some more (if I wasn't on my way, I would have felt like a right shit).

Ross had said that he might be giving his mate a lift, so when we pulled into Euan's parents driveway, the "extra" person in the car was accounted for. Euan, his mum and little sis, came out to greet us. As I got out of the car, Euan took a few moments to work out it was really me. He smiled a big fat smile and his face lit up. He turned to his Mum and sis and said I was there. They said they knew, he went inside and told his dad, he said he knew (I think everyone in the family knew except Euan).

I will always remember his reaction. I am smiling now thinking back. To make someone’s day, to bring a smile to their face like that. It is a wonderful feeling.
(StyX is staring at you, yes YOU!!!, Sat 7 Aug 2010, 12:08, Reply)