The only way to have a friend is to be one….. Ralph Waldo Emerson
My closest friend is treasured greatly. With each year that I grow older, my understanding of friendship grows deeper. I have learned to be grateful for each day of my life. The pleasant, unpleasant, happy, sad, difficult as well as easy days are all needed in order to bring about total understanding and appreciation for who we are and how important family and friends are in our lives.
I truly believe that God introduces us to people who help us to better understand ourselves. As a caregiver I met people who, although I might have only known for a short while, they left a very positive and important impression on my life.
When we are willing to listen to others with an open heart, and show genuine care and concern for their well being, differences fade and similarities are revealed.
The quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson is quite profound… The only way to have a friend is to be a friend. If we are to preoccupied with our own needs we may not even notice that other people have needs also.
The good news is…. it is never to late to be a good friend. Open your heart and offer genuine care for other peoples needs.
With respect, hope, joy and love,
Carmela
Carmela Snelbaker 
7 thoughts on “Friendships”
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alienorajt
I think you are right, Carmela: people come into our lives for a purpose. They are teachers, and the lessons are the ones we most need to learn, even if they are painful. Open-heartedness is so undervalued in our cynical age – but it is so important. x
carmelasnelbaker
Thanks so much for your comment. I completely agree with the thought of people being teachers of lessons we most need to learn. I just wish sometimes I had been quicker to learn the lesson. If they could only show up with the lesson written on their forehead so I can understand it more quickly 🙂
With respect, hope, joy and love, Carmela
alienorajt
Absolutely, Carmela! Imprinted, or branded, upon the forehead would be great! x
positivelygood7
Friends bring sunshine into our lives.
carmelasnelbaker
well said 🙂 Thanks