Friends

The comic strip Luann is celebrating the main characters coming to the end of their senior year in high school. Bernice, Delta and Luann decide to celebrate their 18th birthday even though it isn't time yet.

Friends are true gifts in life. One of the great things about Facebook is that it provides a way to stay in touch when we move on to other areas of the world. I have some wonderful friends scattered around the world.

I lived in Southern California as a child; went to college in New Hampshire; lived in Springfield, Belchertown and Holden, Massachusetts; lived in Chandler and Prescott, Arizona; and lived in South Jordan, Utah. I have family in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Nebraska, Hawaii, and Australia. This means there are people all over the world I would like to keep in touch with. Work-related, I can use LinkedIn. Socially, I can use Facebook.

Online isn't the only way to maintain relationships. That is one of the great things about Christmas cards. They give us a window into the life of friends and family. Cards throughout the year are a way to send a smile and let a loved one know you are thinking of them.

From Psychology Today: "Anais Nin put it beautifully when she said, "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Though some natural loners are happy without them, most of us depend greatly on the company of true friends. As with any relationship, friendships bring support and joy and occasionally strife. "

True friends help us become the person we were meant to be. False friends drag us from our true path. I strive to be the kind of friend I want. Someone who is loyal; someone willing to help when asked; someone who will help without being asked; someone who listens without judging; someone who is there when needed. I am grateful to the friends who have helped get here, particularly the Pro, who is my best friend.