Zen,
Wow, this is truly a special friend, I do not have any, probably of my own doing always too afraid to get close to people in fear of being hurt due to past friendships, found it "safe" to not form any new ones, just surface types. For this person to stay with you and offer comfort as she did is true friendship, and I do not think you should feel she would think you are "defective", it was very nice you sent her that card. I hope some day I will meet someone close by that I can call my friend, and maybe take in the sights around our towns, talk and laugh Meanwhile I'd like to think of you all here as my "Forum Friends", if that is okay?
Stay well,
"darkeyes"