Reflections

This volume is dedicated by the author to two close friends, both deceased; one of its dominant themes is friendship and, related to it, remembrance and recognition. Simone Weil addresses elements of these criteria when, in her Attente de Dieu, she writes, [S]i on revoit un être très cher après une longue absence, les mots qu'on échange avec lui n'impor-tent pas, mais seulement le son de sa voix qui nous assure de sa présence. [70] If after a long absence we see someone again - someone very dear - the words that are ex-changed with him do not matter. What matters is only the sound of his voice assuring us of his pre-sence. Perception, Remembrance, and Recognition. These provide Presence, the Presence, the healing Presence we so often need and so frequently lack. Friendship may be a "dying art," but it still remains a fundamental human need. If weak, may it be strengthened; if unknown, may it be experienced. If found, may it be deeply, deeply cherished and honored as one of the very greatest gifts we might ever receive.