Today is a particular day of the year when age flips a page to the next on the calendar, not that I’m getting overly excited about the new number, but that I realize just how many friends, acquaintances, and loved ones I’ve accumulated over the years.

I learned that very quickly yesterday when I posted on Facebook and got voluminous best wishes for the occasion. I asked that instead of a donation to a cause, as is asked on Facebook these days, for my friends to instead call someone who is sick, alone or housebound, to take the moment to make a friendly call. For this day, this week and even this month.

Many of my friends already do this. Guess that’s why they stay in my friend circle. It’s just who they are and how they present themselves that speaks so loudly, in a good way. I have been blessed with many true friends, many long-time friends, and some of shorter time frames, but no less precious. When we do that for each other, that is the making of valuable friendships.

I learned this weekend of another friend’s death, and I am reminded of all the memories, all I’ve learned from her, and just how much I valued her friendship. I will let her family make their loss public before I speak her name here. Their loss and mine are tender and tearful now.

Narcissus for my friend

Sometimes the words come quickly, other times I feel speechless but lost in feelings. Words must be weighed so they are not hurtful, in grief as in other times. Words may be measured, fewer at times when it’s more prudent to listen. Thing is, that heart sharing is at a distance now, without hugs, without being side by side in the literal sense.

One of my favourite Bible verses on friendship is from Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” We called it the Golden Rule in school. Any and all can observe that rule and be the better for it. In that way we show love.

We can get carried away with our words, it’s so easy to do that. And then regret might settle in for a time. I want my words to count, to be loving. I will fail sometimes for I am human, but I strive to do my best.

One of many friends I treasure

Since we cannot hug the family who grieves, we can send loving words, even when they are few. When I want to hug the grieving daughter or son, I can only say now how sad I am for you in your loss, and offer to pray.

What will you do today to show your friends you care about them?