A Real Friend
      I found this little passage and thought that I would share it with you.  You are "real" friends, and I think you will find that this passage  exemplifies the support that my family has been given. Thank you for all  that you are, and for all that you have done.
      
      
      A simple friend has never seen you cry
      
      A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
      
      
      A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
      
      A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.
      
      
      A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
      
      A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.
      
      
      A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
      
      A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
      
      
      A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
      
      A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
      
      
      A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
      
      A real friend could blackmail you with it.
      
      
      A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
      
      A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.
      
      
      A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
      
      
      A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after you've had a fight.
      
      
      A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
      
      A real friend expects to always be there for you!
    
      