While I was at work tonight I was listening to a talk. The speaker said two things that really stood out in my mind. The first one was "the world makes wrong things look right." If you really think about that and how it is true, it is very profound. The second one was a story of a boy who asked his Mom, "Do I have to lower my standards to keep my friends?" Neither one of these things was the major topic of the talk, just two things that really stuck out in my mind. After the talk was over I turned it off and I began to think. I am so lucky and grateful to have the friends I do. As I asked that question to myself I knew that I would never have to lower my standards to keep my friends.
I am so grateful that I have truly been blessed with great friends. This includes my amazing, wonderful family. So many in the world are unable to call their family friends. I am extremely lucky that I can list my family among my best friends. I am grateful to all of you who make me a better person. I have never felt the need to lower my standards with you, my friends. Instead I work to attain more of the standards and greatness that each of you possess. I am so grateful for all of you and the wonderful people you are. You are all great examples and I treasure your friendship. So, with all the sincerity of my heart, I say to you all "thank you my friends."
the first FIVE years
