It is a wonderful thing when you have friends. After a week or two of isolation my grandgirls were reunited and Clio’s first words were “I can’t believe she is here!!” It was like they had never been apart and after the endearing hellos they proceeded to behave like children alternating bickering with playing. We went for a long walk and the picture is them returning home. I am hoping each of you are finding the quality time that creates they excellent memories and bonds that last forever.
I was thinking of the songs that talked about the value of friendships. I recalled a line from a 1940 Cole Porter song that has always stayed with me after my parents made me listen to it – way back when. Judy Garland sang it well in the chorus, “friendship, friendship….just a perfect blendship…when other friendships are gone and forgot…ours will still be hot.” The song has a humorous tone that we could use today with lines like “if you are ever down a well, ring my bell,” “if you are ever in a jam, here I am,” “if you’re ever in a mess, S O S,” and for today, “if you ever lose your mind, I will be kind.” The connecting phrase really says it all, “a-lottle-dottle–dottle hep hep hep.” The Beatles get the number one song that speaks to companionship, camaraderie, brother and sisterhood as rated by one group. If you guessed “With a Little Help from my Friends” you were correct. Number two is the song that first was recorded in Carole King’s Tapestry album and soon after by James Taylor, “You’ve got a friend.” I am skipping to number 10 – got a guess? Dionne Warwick went into the studio in 1986 to re-record the tune written by Rod Stewart for the l982 movie – Night Shift. “That’s What Friends are For” teamed Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder with Warwick to benefit the American Foundation for Aids Research. The recording topped the charts and raised over $3 million for AIDS research. We are all finding out that we have friends from all walks of life during this crisis. Reach out but do not touch anyone – except virtually.
I got an email this week about a virtual birthday celebration for my good friend Nancy Choules. Nancy is a memorable self less soul who is always doing something for others with a genuine laugh and a smile on her face. I worked with her for many years and am not sure I ever told her that she is a most amazing person. This is my chance as she heads toward another decade of doing the right thing – a round of applause for Nancy.
I am getting many humorous texts about the pandemic most of which I cannot post. I do appreciate those who can take the shelter in place seriously for the good of our community and still keep and share a positive attitude.
I personally am Biden my time until the next election and hope we have returned to a new and sustainable normal.
Stay well. Mike