In what ways is George's friendship a gift for Lennie in "Of Mice and Men"?

George does not simply provide friendship for Lennie, but more a guiding hand. While Lennie has the body of a man, his mind is child-like, and therefore he's in need of someone to look after him. While George is often angered and irritated by Lennie, it is George who reassures Lennie of the dream of a golden future that awaits them.

Lennie and George are loners and George's gift, along with friendship and a steady hand, is ultimately when George takes Lennie's life. Lennie has just killed Curly's wife after stroking her hair. She gets nervous that she is going to be found out cavorting with Lennie and she begins to scream. Lennie tries to stop her from screaming, but shakes her violently causing her death. Although George realizes that Lennie did not want to kill her, he knows that it is only a matter of time before the vengeful Curly and his men catch up to Lennie.  

Throughout the book, George has gotten to know and appreciate Lennie in ways no one before ever did. He was a man-child with severe restrictions on his mental capacity, but George knew him as a simple soul who needed direction/scolding. Knowing that he will have to spend the rest of his days in some medieval mental institution for the killing, George makes the decision to kill Lennie in a last act of friendship and love to avoid more suffering.