OLD FRIENDS VS. NEW FRIENDS 
It is a wonderful thing to have faithful old friends, those that match the devotion of this puppy. How many can say that they have a friend that they walked into kindergarten with? How many can say that the 10-year-old across the street is still on the phone with you? How many can say that the 14-year-old in high school has gone through marriages and children with you? How many can say that the friend at your important jobs is still there in retirement? 

I am one of the lucky few. 

These friends have gone through fire and water with you. They are like a boomerang because even if you argue, they come back. Secrets galore and what went down on Yourstreet, USA always stays on Yourstreet, USA. They have weathered childhood, teenage years, marriages, children, work environments, sad losses of parents, divorces, careers, relocation, and retirement and still hold your hand. They understood your moods happy or not, decisions bad or good, and with no judgment stayed by your side. They know you well and are your extended siblings. THEY ARE YOUR OLD FRIENDS...
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Whether you like it or not, they tell you the truth, and not always what you want to hear. But, always with your best interests at heart. Like Oscar Wilde said: "A good friend will always stab you in the front." 

​They are to be cherished, because this brand of friendship is far and few between. ​

They are there for lots of good times, card games, holidays without relatives, rounds of dinners, opening up new ways of life and more interests, to bring to the table. Some of them have made the grade and will graduate to the old friend category as they are steadfast and caring. And some just fade away as there wasn't much substance to begin with, just someone to pass the time with. 

Cut them some slack, as they don't know your history. We start off on the surface and it could progress 
stages of to safe and valuable. They have potential. It takes time to qualify, as there are friends for all your life. New friends are strangers, and need time to ferment like good wine. Give it a chance, put the time in! But, do release any toxicity. 

I have been fortunate and some new friends have entered my old friend category. They were just what the doctor ordered at new times in my life. 

We go by the Girl Scout Slogan, "Make new friends but keep the old. One is Silver, the other gold." 
Good friendships are to be valued, old or new. Here's some advice: ​

​Be assured, I truly believed this was just a luncheon with my children. It had been a long time since we were all together in one room. When my son and daughter-in-law, who reside in Florida, offered to host it at their country club, I was happy to come as a guest.
 
My husband and I arrived at the Country Club, along with my youngest daughter from New York and her fiancé. My son was guiding us through the dining room.
 
My first FEELING was one of annoyance that we had to walk so far into the dining room.  (Oh well, no-one ever listens to me)
 
There were curtains ahead of us sectioning off a room of the club, and my son kept saying that he wanted us to see the new renovations the club had made.
(Oh, can’t walk so far, why do I care?)

He parted the curtains and I saw a blur of people at tables in front of me. I turned to him and said, “This is a private party, let’s go.”  Then I heard an exuberant crowd yelling,
                   “SURPRISE”……HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!”
I thought, “OMG, THIS IS FOR ME!!  
                  OMG, I SHOULD HAVE HAD MY HAIR DONE! 
                  OMG, I would have worn something else….
                  And then, OMG I never had a surprise party before…….
 
                 MY HEART STARTED PUMPING HARD! I am so EXCITED!!”
 
My daughter, who resides in Florida, came rushing towards me, hugging and yelling “surprise.” My son from New York came over and exuberantly kissed me. My grandchildren flooded towards me...….
(I can’t believe it. This is thrilling…….)
 
Then I turned to the table to my right and was totally taken aback that my childhood friends were sitting there….I hugged them and started to cry.
(How did they get here?)
 
My husband sent an uber for them. Then it hit me, my husband and I are together 24/7. How did he do this without my knowing? And my Florida son and daughter-in-law were his accomplices.” 
(Never thought anything would get by me, but….IT DID!)
 
Then I turned and saw all my beautiful family and friends that filled the room. It looked like more than 40 people.
 
STILL AMAZED, I THOUGHT, 
This is for me…..I can’t believe it.   
I am so thrilled  and so grateful for all of you in my life.
 
I GREETED EVERYONE….There was FABULOUS FUN, FABULOUS FOOD, FABULOUS PICTURES, FABULOUS CAKE, AND TABLE WTH A LARGE POSTER OF MY FIRST BOOK. WOW! EVERYONE SIGNED IT…..AND…..BEAUTIFUL GIFTS, WITH THE MOST FABULOUS HUSBAND, CHILDREN, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS ANYONE IN THIS WORLD COULD WANT.”