My Special List

Several years ago I got a Christmas card with a poem that was almost identical to the following and the next year we sent it with our greetings. This is a variation on that theme and I believe it expresses what each of is thinking when we send greetings to a list of people with whom we don't communicate more than once every year.

I recently discovered that a variation of this was originally written by Helen Steiner Rice. No matter how it is said, the message is wonderfully true.

—Arlene Harder, Editor-in-Chief

My Special List

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book

and every now and then I go and take a look.

That is when I realize these names . . . they are a part

Not of the book they're written in . . . But taken from the heart.

For each name stands for someone

who has crossed my path sometime

And in that meeting they've become

The reason and the rhyme.

Although it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,

I really am composed of each remembered name.

Although you're not aware of any special link,

just meeting you has shaped my life

. . . More than you could think

So please don't think my greeting as just a mere routine.

Your name was NOT forgotten in between.

For when I send a greeting that is addressed to you,

Its because you're on that list of folks I am indebted to.

Whether I have known you for many days or few,

in some ways you have a part in shaping things I do.

I am but a total of many folks I've met.

You are one I would prefer never to forget.

Thank you for being my friend.

—Helen Steiner Rice

Remembering Your "Forever Friend"

After you've read this, think about someone who has supported you in sickness and in health, in failures and in triumphs, and who has these qualities — even if that person isn't always an absolutely totally perfect forever friend. Then call him or her today and simply say, "Thank You for being my forever friend."

A Forever Friend

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;

Someone who changes your life just by being part of it.

Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop;

Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world.

Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it.

This is Forever Friendship.

When you're down, and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and suddenly life seems bright and full.

Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times, and the confused times.

If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows.

If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on.

Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay.

And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete, because you need not worry. You have a forever friend for life, and forever has no end.

— Anonymous