Date: 5/5/2009
<br>Author: Devin Pickard
<br>Title: Gail
<br><br>Unconditional.  How would you define that word?  Some might take the easy route and simply say that it is the exact polar opposite of the word conditional.  Others might suggest that it's a form of love that is void of any borders and restrictions.....and both would be correct.  If you can look around your circle of buddies and find more than one or two of them who are unconditional, then you better immediately hit your knees and thank God for them, for true unconditional relationships are very few and far between.  I must say that I have been blessed in my life far more than I could ever possibly deserve, especially in the area of having people to love me without any strings attached.....and I thank God daily for them.<br><br>I hear the word “Preacher”, and I know that I am in her midst.....Ms. Gail Tidwell is certainly somewhere near.  Gail is without a doubt one of a kind.  Though classified as “mentally challenged” by some, I would simply classify her as one of my most precious, unconditional friends.  Never the introvert, Gail always keeps you on your toes.  She is quick to tell you that she loves you and that she “wants to give you a hug”.  Gail is so very proud of her work at the Impact Center, and is probably far more productive at her tasks than I am at most of mine.  Recently, Gail invited me to come watch her participate in the Special Olympics.  When I arrived, I heard the usual, “there's my preacher!”, which was followed up by the same big smile and hug.  Gail did great in all the events, as did each and every participant.  It became quickly evident that the athletes on the field that day were not near as concerned about winning as much as they were just having a good time.<br><br>I know without a doubt that Gail would never shun me.  I have a great deal of faith that regardless of what I look like, what I say or what I do, that she will always consider me her friend.  You see, I think Gail sees nothing but the best in everyone.....she sees no bad, no negative, no down-side.  I believe with all of my heart that Gail is destined for the pearly gates and the golden streets.  I also believe that the world would be a much better place if we all took time to learn some life lessons from these special folks like my buddy Gail....she just loves everybody for who they are.....not for what they are or for what they do.  Pretty good lesson, huh? <br><br>Someone once said that the true test of whether a friend is unconditional or not would be this.  If you found yourself thrown in jail, and had to call a buddy to come get you, if the first word they said to you was “Where?”, then you have a true-blue friend who loves you with no restrictions.  If the first word you hear on the other end of the phone is “Why?”, then you need to quickly realize that you have just wasted your one phone call on someone who is not your friend.  Heaven forbid, if I found myself in jail, and I made my one call to Gail, I know what I would hear on the other end ..... “Preacher, where are you?”                          <br><br>  <br> Go the extra mile - Devin<br><br>