Reaction to My Buddy Daniel

Reaction: "My Buddy Daniel"

After reading the story, "My Buddy Daniel" there was a lot of thoughts running through my mind. This story hit close to home with me, as I have a very close family member that is HIV Positive and my family works very closely with AIDS Project New Haven (APNH). Since I also work in the medical field, and know how rewarding jobs like this can be. I personally believe that the one who receives more pleasure from the relationship between Frank and Daniel is Frank. Daniel is the fourth buddy Frank as taken on through APNH, and Frank says he is by far the neediest. The more that Frank is able to do for Daniel, the more pleasure he feels. I think Frank enjoys being able to help someone who is in need.

Frank serves as a companion for Daniel in the beginning, and the relationship seems to have gone farther than either of them had expected. Daniel can rely on Frank and confide in him. It is a great feeling to be able to be that special person playing a role in someone else's life, especially in a situation like this where Frank is helping Daniel to maintain his sobriety whether he knows it or not.

Frank seems to feel sorry for Daniel and what he has gone through, and provides to him a true friend. At one point in the story Daniel asks Frank what the worst thing in his life was, and Frank says that he regrets not having been available in the past, and having too few friends. So, I believe that it means a lot to him to be so readily available to Daniel for support. He can make up for lost time in the past where he wasn't such a great friend to others.

I think that Daniel also without knowing it is providing Frank with a companion and occupies Frank's time as much as Frank occupies his. Daniel can confide in Frank and they establish a trust, where in the past Daniel was unable to be a true friend or maintain any friendships due to the lifestyle he led.

I think that in the future they may continue their friendship and it may become more than just a job for Frank. Daniel may continue to rely on Frank for guidance, support, and friendship. Frank will continue to be there, which in turn is very rewarding to Frank. It works both ways, Frank means a lot to Daniel. Because Frank is able to be so important to Daniel, it is meaningful to Frank.