Friend

When we honestly ask ourselves
which person in our lives means the most to us,
we often find that it is those who,
instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures,
have chosen rather to share our pain
and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand.
The friend who can be silent with us
in a moment of despair or confusion,
who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement,
who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing,
and face with us the reality of our powerlessness,
that is a friend who cares.

                  Henri Nouwen, Out of Solitude 

 

 

 

 

Pesach

Sharing food is the first act through which slaves become free human beings.
One who fears tomorrow does not offer his bread to others.
But one who is willing to divide his food with a stranger
has already shown himself capable of fellowship and faith,
the two things from which hope is born.
That is why we begin the Seder by inviting others to join us.
That is how we turn affliction into freedom.

                Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through

The best way out is always through.

    Robert Frost, A Servant to Servants
    Born March 26, 1874

Tolkien Reading Day

Every morning I wake up and think good,
another 24 hours' pipe-smoking.

     J. R. R. Tolkien, 1966 interview

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good wish

If you live to be a hundred,
I want to live to be a hundred minus one day,
so I never have to live without you.

        A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

 

 

 

 

Movie star wisdom

• I think that the most important thing a woman can have - next to talent, of course - is her hairdresser.

• Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.

• If you have an ounce of common sense and one good friend you don't need an analyst.

                    Joan Crawford, born March 23, 1904

UN World Water Day

Thousands have lived without love,
not one without water.

         W. H. Auden, First Things First