Over the weekend family and friends celebrated with my parents their 50-year and golden anniversary. The effort that went into planning this event and travelling to get there was well worth it. Also, it had been years since the entire family had gotten together in person and even taken a family photo. This is a memory to cherish.

Family and even friends are those special people who will still love you for who you are no matter your quirks. They still stick by you in the good and tough times. We can call when we need them knowing they will be there, and they can count on you to do the same. You can be assured that these people will be straight with you and have your best interest at heart. Proverbs 18:24 says that unreliable friends can be our downfall but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Today celebrate that special person or persons with a word or gesture that expresses your appreciation for being blessed with them in your life. Cheers!

Family & Friends

by Lizzy Pureheart

We all have a cherished garden we tend –

It is planted with love of family and friends.

The memories and dreams we treasure and share

Are like beautiful roses found blooming there.

The comfort and care on which we depend

Is given with love between family and friends.

The sunshine of laughter and rain of a tear

Only make our love grow with each passing year.

We may all be ourselves with no need to pretend

Because of the love of family and friends;

They notice the rainbows and weather the showers.

They overlook weeds and praise all our flowers.

The most valuable thing is the time that we spend

Tending this garden with family and friends.

When counting our blessings, we know from the start

That family and friends come first in our heart.