"Friends". That word just rolls off the tongue. You can't have too many eh, my 'friends'? They say your friends will stick by your side when even your family won't. And, that you can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends. And, if you can count your good friends on the fingers of just one hand, your'e blessed. One more old-time saying is that 'you can be a MEMBER of a family...and not be PART of it.' Well then. That explains things.

Many people come our way throughout our lives, and we just accumulate 'associates', some to become life-long, others to be just visiting for a while. It occured to me recently, that the words used to mark someone a 'friend' are as wide and different as the phrases we've created for them. We have 'sisters' and 'brothers', 'best budd's' and 'buddies' 'n 'good-buddies'.There are our 'old' friends, 'recent' friends, 'schoolmates', 'chums', 'home -girl' and 'home-boy's', 'neighbors' our 'girls' and her 'boy' 'n 'his lady' or 'old lady' even. Then there is the 'bed buddy' and 'friend with benefits', 'casual accquaitance', 'lab partner', 'project partner", 'team-mate', 'research associate'...and a myriad of other endearing or just plain un-necessary words to describe the same thing.

A friend, in any capacity, shouldn't put any restrictions or conditions on the relationship. People sometimes go decades without seeing each other and pick right up like no time has passed bewtween them. My wife right now is visiting and has visited with 2 old, old friends. I told her we should visit the one up at the lake to see the new house. "That was 20 years ago dear" she said "They live in Hawaii now!" And, even though they hadn't seen each other for a bit, they picked right up where they left off years ago. That's what good friends do, because the 'us' inside hasn't changed much even if the outside has.

No phone call is too late, no favor too much. And those friends are those few that can be counted on one hand. Of late, with my personal and professional plates full, its nice to know there are those who will stick by us. No matter HOW much of a pain we are!

"People come into your life for a reason"
(Author unknown)
Courtesy of: Joygreetings.com

"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that o ur need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But onl y for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
So, thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime."

*Traditional Old Irish Limerick

"A friend is not a feller'....
who is taken by a sham....
a friend is one who knows our faults....
and doesn't give a damn!"

Peace, Love 'n Light as Always....FRIENDS!!!

*Next Week: "The Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Truth in Music"

*Special Thanks: Paul, the V.A, Team Detroit, Marcus Da-Vinci, the Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Stacia Camper, Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit, and of course....the one and only "LUCKY!" the Wonder-Dog

duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com
www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com