Supporting your friends -- even when it's hard

A friend of mine recently had a launch party for a new product.  Unfortunately, it rained -- monsoonlike -- the night of the rollout.  Of course, I had a perfect excuse.  But I know that these are the times when friendship counts.  So, I braved the crazy weather, got to the event and a hearty, but small, group was there.  She was so appreciative...even with tears in her eyes.  But, I'm sure she'll remember that I was there -- even though it took everything in me to get there.  And, I'm sure she'd have understood that I didn't make it.  But, I was there and glad I'd made the extreme effort.