If you have learned to walk
A little more sure-footedly than I,
Be patient with my stumbling then
And know that only as I do my best and try
May I attain the goal
For which we both are striving.

If through experience, your soul
Has gained heights which I
As yet in dim-lit vision see,
Hold out your hand and point the way,
Lest from its straightness I should stray,
And walk a mile with me.

From the book, Taking Time For Friends. The author is unknown.

- Helen Steiner Rice -

A friend is like a treasure
With which one will not part.

"Friendship happens in that special moment
when someone reaches out to another,
trusts, comforts, believes in another,
and makes a special difference
that no one else can make".

THE Lord God planted a garden
In the first white days of the world,
And He set there an angel warden
In a garment of light enfurled.

So near to the peace of Heaven,
That the hawk might nest with the wren,
For there in the cool of the even
God walked with the first of men.

And I dream that these garden-closes
With their shade and their sun-flecked sod
And their lilies and bowers of roses,
Were laid by the hand of God.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,--
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.

For He broke it for us in a garden
Under the olive-trees
Where the angel of strength was the warden
And the soul of the world found ease.

- Dorothy Frances Gurney -

- Helen Steiner Rice -

Author Unknown

A friend, is all of many things.
Most of which are smiles, laughter and tears.
Shared with you for many years..
Always there when needed, never offending.
Doing what's in need of being done.
Not overlooking, when you're hurting.
Nor criticizing, what you have done when you're down.
Reading what is in your heart, not the words you say.
A friend is all of these things and many more.

A friend in times of need, is difficult to find.
A pleasant way to ease your mind.
To know for sure you have one,
a milestone on the road of life.
Friends need not have riches nor material things.
Only A heart to share.
Smiles on their faces; when you meet.
The songs in your hearts play the same tunes.
Their smiles are your smiles.
Their laughter, your's.

Friends are able to empathize feelings of others.
For under the skin deep within,
We are all sisters and brothers.

© George Bryant, May 1998

When trouble come your soul to try,
You love the friend who just "stands by."
Perhaps there's nothing he can do--
The thing is strictly up to you;
For there are troubles all your own,
And paths the soul must tread alone;
Times when love cannot smooth the road
Nor friendship lift the heavy load,
But just to know you have a friend
Who will "stand by" until the end,
Whose sympathy through all endures,
Whose warm handclasp is always yours--
It helps, some ways, to pull you through,
Although there's nothing he can do.
And so with fervent heart you cry,
"God bless the friend who just 'stand by.'"

...B. Y. Williams - From the book Tea For Two

You find them around
When you are in need
They will give of themselves
Regardless of deed

They're around when your happy
And when you are sad
Your mood makes no difference
They make you feel glad

You seldom know, who they may be
Unless you're having trouble
But when you need them, you will see
True ones come on the double

They come to lend a helping hand
Whether skys be gloomy or sunny
Then there are times, when you are down
They'll say things that are funny

The true ones last a long, long time
And always seem to be there
Still there are those that come but once
These "False Ones" really don't care

You'll find through life, that there are many
"Fair Weather", "False", and "True"
But never forget, if you would have any
You must first be a "True Friend" too.

Y.K.O.P. by: The Dream Weaver

Because you love me, I have found
New joys that were not mine before;
New stars have lightened up my sky
With glories growing more and more.

Because you love me I can rise
To the height of fame and realms of power;
Because you love me I may learn
The highest use of every hour.

Because you love me I can choose
To look through your dear eyes and see
Beyond the beauty of the Now
Far onward to Eternity.

Because you love me I can wait
With perfect patience well possessed;
Because you love me all my life
Is circled with unquestioned rest;
Yes, even Life and even Death
Is all unquestioned and all blest.

From the book, Taking Time For Friends. The author is unknown.

There's a comforting thought at the close of the day
When I'm weary and lonely and sad;
That sort of grips hold of this poor old heart
And bids it be merry and glad.
It gets in my being, and drives out the blues

And finally thrills through and through,
It's just a sweet memory, that chants this refrain,
"I'm glad I touched shoulders with you."

Did you know you were brave?
Did you know you were strong?
Did you know there was one leaning hard?
Did you know that I waited, and listened and prayed?
And was cheered by your simplest word.
Did you know that I longed for the smile on your face?
For the sound of your voice ringing true,
Did you know I grew stronger and better because
"I had merely touched shoulders with you ".

I'm glad that I live, that I battle and strive,
For a place that I know I must fill;
I'm thankful for sorrows, I'll meet with a grin
What fortune may bring, good or ill;
I may not have wealth, I may not be great
But I know I will always be true,
For I have in my life, that courage you gave,
When once, "I touched shoulders with you!"

The author is belived to be: Lawrence Holtzberry, deceased
Mr. Holtzberry was a member of the Lions Club District 13K (Hebron, Ohio)
Thanks to Walt Miller for sending me this info.