answer:Friends have come from unexpected places for me. Andy & I met a couple through our work on a local dog park. We were (the four of us) the only ones who turned out for some trail building work. They were about our age, very different politically and religiously (they are born-again Christians and from Oklahoma and Texas so rather conservative), but we became fast friends. I also met someone here on Fluther that I have formed a friendship with. We can talk about anything together. Even though the time we have actually spent in one another’s presence is short, I feel very close to her. As to teachers, they have appeared in my life when I needed them, and then I have moved on when I didn’t. I am grateful to them for their wisdom and caring.