Friends Life Forever in Our Hearts - Poem

This is a poem that I wrote when I was 14 years old an had recently moved away from many dear friends. I wanted to share it now, because I think it's something that is always true no matter how old you are, where you live, or how many friends you've said goodbye to over the course of your life.

Friends Live Forever in Our Hearts

Poem and Illustration
by Melanie James

Sometimes life presents a rocky road,
A path not easy to take.
And I am forced upon this road
With no other choice to make.

When life seems hard to face
And I feel there’s nothing more,
I think of a warm embrace
From a friend which I adore.

This friend and I parted long ago,
But in heart they are still near
Which gives me strength to go,
And I know I never need fear.

Whenever I feel like giving in,
I remember the good things
And always find a reason to grin
And feel better about what life brings.

Friendship is reaching for a hand
And touching a heart.
Friends hold your heart and hand
Whether together or apart.

I've Decided to be Happy!

“I have decided to be happy;
it is excellent for one’s health!”
—Voltaire

I came across this quote today, and I have to say - I LOVE IT. It is good for your health to be happy. As a nurse, I can state this as a fact. And, I truly believe that happiness is a choice. So, I've come up with the following list of reasons that I have to be happy today (and every day). Hopefully in sharing them, I'll spark some realizations of why you should be happy too!

• I have a husband that is my best friend, who I love very much.
• I have a beautiful little daughter who makes me smile everyday.
• I went on a nice walk today with my family in the cool weather.
• I have a comfortable home to live in, where I feel safe and loved.
• I have been reading some interesting and fun books. (Check out my Goodreads page).
• I have pretty good health. Again, as a nurse, I truly appreciate what a blessing this is.
• I have the opportunity to work with the teenage girls at my church, whom I love and am inspired by.
• I have great friends that I know I can rely on and trust.
• My husband and I are both able to work from home together.
• I had delicous homemade chicken soup for dinner.
• I'm going to see my mom this weekend.
• My daughter has slept through the night since she was 3 months old.
• Chocolate - need I say more?  

Fabulously Quotable: Friendship

I love great, pithy, poignant quotes. Here are some of my favorite quotes on the topic of friendship.

Please share any quotes or thoughts you have on friendship in the comments!