What is a Brother of the Briar/ What is a Friend

This forum is a product of the human condition. Of course it is; it is created by humans. We see rudeness and uncouth conduct. We are witness to instigation and hyperbole. We watch as danielplainview gets the short end of a transaction at the hands of a Brother of the Briar. Worry not, these are only the drawbacks of a thriving forum and there is so much more to be gained.
On a separate thread I mentioned having never had the opportunity to try the mysterious, sought after, almighty and holy grail Penzance. Just the name draws allure. Pipe smokers from around the world creep in closer to listen...P E N Z A N C E... Shh, can you feel it...I can dear reader. Check this out.
In the aforementioned thread a Brother of the Briar stepped up and, without being asked, offered me an opportunity to try Penzance.
Little did I know he would send me an unopened tin.
I would never have imagined it would be aged, let alone from the year 1999.
When he refused my offer to cover the shipping expense I was floored.
When he sent me a link to his virtual cellar and asked that I choose a few more items to make it worth the shipping expense my jaw fell so hard it cracked the concrete beneath me. (see? hyperbole)
The package showing up in 5 days having traveled over 6,000 miles was impressive. The fact that the whole interaction happened in less than seven was unimaginable.
The fact that he refused any and I mean ANY compensation is nothing short of true kindness. I have done nothing for him. I am in no real position to repay this gesture. He owes me nothing and yet here I am with his amazing gift. What is a friend? In my book a friend is someone who spends effort doing for you. Don't agree? Can we not agree that an enemy is someone who goes out of his way to detract from you.
Tarheel1 is my friend. I have never met him, never heard his voice but he is my friend. He has asked for nothing in return. I will make it up to him as best I can. I have no Penzance other than what he gave me but I have a few ideas. What are they, you may ask? Sorry, it's between friends.
j/B

Where to start?
oldreddog, your recomendation to break in my new Ferndown is exactly what Tarheel suggested. I will indeed honor him by using his tobacco first to be the first smoke in my new briar. Great idea!
huntertrw, your input never disappoints. The quote you offered up says it all.

for someone willing to give rather than take.... Tis very very cool and I'm glad to see it

Click to expand...

Nate, so well put. The vast majority of people here seek to share. Whether it be information, kinship, time, or a good deal. A beautiful part of the interactions here is that they have a life after-the-fact and away from the forum. When I smoke I think of all those who have impacted me and my piping process. I almost always smoke by myself but never alone.
chasingembers, I see no rant just good insight. Tarheel's kindness could not have come at a better time. The forum may have needed a bit of reassurance.
Thank you to all who have read thus far.
j/B