Confiding, listening, trusting, supporting and cajoling or chiding—all are important aspects of a valued friendship. Sometimes one friend must be strong when the other needs strength. At other times, the roles reverse. The give and take—and the joys in between—are what makes a great friendship such a valuable asset.

Without that investment some friendships fade, barely lasting a season or two. Some, however, last a lifetime and withstand the test of time. Friendship is all about being there when you’re needed. Such was the friendship between the two men in our Angel of Mercy story on page 84. Rich and rewarding. We appreciate their sharing their story with us.

Fill your life with beautiful, strong friendships and you will have strength beyond your reserve and joys beyond the capacity of your own heart. Sunflowers, wildflowers, roses and daisies. Different highlights in the garden of your life. Plant the seeds of a new one today!

P.S. There is a sad footnote to our Angel of Mercy story. Mr. John Johnson, one of our WWII heroes, passed away on September 6. He leaves a loving family of four children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The Burst family and the Inside Northside staff offer the Johnson family our most heartfelt sympathy.

Copyright 2004, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.