…you hold the hand of the world.”  That’s from LIVE WITH INTENTION.  Appreciating my friends is one of my ten main life intentions.  Recently I read that Sophie Tucker, the singer from the early 20th century who was called “The Last of the Red Hot Mama’s” said, “The secret to success in show business is knowing how to make and keep friends.”

I found myself responding to Sophie with, “That’s the secret to almost everything, not just show business.”  So much of today’s conventional wisdom on success in business, of any sort, is that it begins with solid relationships.  The truth of country music chimes in here with, “If you ain’t got friends, you ain’t got nuthin’.”

Observing my Dad’s last days of life, in the time he was able to speak, was a testament to the validity of this observation.  He died, with only me at his side.  He had not tended the garden of his friends.  It is the only thing that he expressed any regret over.  I endeavor to do one kind thing, one demonstration of remembering and appreciation for one of my friends, every day.  No matter how busy I am or what I am doing.  I know that at the end of the matter – it will not be the completed project I cherish…but the hand of a friend that I am holding.