Sunday Morning Reflections: Friendship

© gustavofrazao

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for
that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy.
Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.
Charles R. Swindoll
 

It's anything but a typical Sunday morning, and the reason is the perfect topic for a Sunday Morning Reflections post about the importance of friendships.

Last night Sheila and I drove up to St. Petersburg to the Morean Arts Center. There was a photographic exhibition and my good buddy Brian Malloy was one of 32 artists who had work featured. His award-winning image is on the right, but this post has nothing to do with photography.

In an hour Brian's going to be pulling into our driveway and we're simply going to hang out for the day. His visit got me thinking about how important friendships are. Although Brian and I met years ago at WPPI, the friendship has grown thanks in part to social media.

He's been my number one voluntary proof-reader from hell over the years, regularly finding mistakes I've missed in blog posts and then catching me on an IM on Facebook. Then, Chris Fawkes and I drafted him as an administrator for Facebook Wedding Photographers, (along with Steffi Smith.) Well, somehow he manages to stay on top of everything and be a successful full time working photographer!

The quote I found above couldn't be more appropriate. And, it's true, I have no idea where I would be without that very special handful of friends who have brought laughter, support and trust to my life and Sheila's.

So, hug a friend today! Even it's a virtual embrace via a phone call, make it a point to remind somebody in your life, who's not a relative, they hold a special place of importance in your life and your heart. Yes, it's sappy as hell, but so appropriate.

Happy Sunday everybody!

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