To My Dearest Friend

Beauty of Our Friendship
Friendship is a Priceless Gift that cannot be bought or sold,

But its value is far greater than a mountain made of Gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,

it can neither see nor hear

And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer

It has no ears to listen nor heart to understand,

It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand

So when you ask God for a gift

Be thankful if HE sends not diamonds, pearls or riches

But The Love of Real True Friends.
- Helen Steiner Rice -

Touching Shoulders
There's a comforting thought at the close of the day

When I'm weary and lonely and sad;

That sort of grips hold of this poor old heart

And bids it be merry and glad.

It gets in my being, and drives out the blues
And finally thrills through and through,

It's just a sweet memory, that chants this refrain,

"I'm glad I touched shoulders with you."

Did you know you were brave?

Did you know you were strong?

Did you know there was one leaning hard?

Did you know that I waited, and listened and prayed?

And was cheered by your simplest word.

Did you know that I longed for the smile on your face?

For the sound of your voice ringing true,

Did you know I grew stronger and better because

"I had merely touched shoulders with you ".

I'm glad that I live, that I battle and strive,

For a place that I know I must fill;

I'm thankful for sorrows,

I'll meet with a grin

What fortune may bring, good or ill;

I may not have wealth,

I may not be great

But I know I will always be true,

For I have in my life, that courage you gave,When once,

"I touched shoulders with you!"

****************

Angie,

Today is your day,

you celebrate another birthday,

but it is I who have been given the gift.

I remember praying several years ago

and asking God to send me a true friend,

one that I could be myself with,

share my joys, my frustrations, my days with.

It developed slowly, but surely

and now I look back

and can't imagine what I did without you all these years.

You have been a gift to me

a source of strength,

a source of inspiration,

a source of laughter,

and LOTS of it!

I look forward to the days and years to come.

I see us a few decades down the road,

helping each other along.

Me, helping you get the lettuce out of your dentures,

and you, untucking my dress from my girdle!

I know we will be laughing all the way

and

will have so many stories to look back on.

I know today is a busy one for you.

Life doesn't slow down these days,

even for birthdays.

I hope that you stop and take a minute to appreciate

your life and what you mean to so many people.

I hope that you see not that you are just

another year older

but

that you have another year

to bless the ones who love you

just by being you.

I love you, Sisterfriend

Have a wonderful birthday!