"Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together."
--Vesta M. Kelly | |
Special Days
The WhatFriendsDo.com concept of "celebrating" special days all year long allows friends to stay in touch from near and far, during happy times and difficult times.
January 4 - Trivia Day
January 4 - World Braille Day
January 5 - National Bird Day
January 6 - Bean Day
January 7 - Letter Writing Week
January 8 - Bubble Bath Day
January 9 - Dog Biscuit Day
January 10 - Share Music Day
Click here to find out how to make these days special for your friend | |
Team Spirit
Anyone going through a long-term illness, the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a move to a new home, or the loss of a job needs the support and nurture from friends more than ever. Create a WhatFriendsDo.com Team site for your friend today. It's free, it's easy, and the joy it will bring to you, your friend and all team members will be incredible. |
What Friends GIVE |
Looking for that special gift to help your friend, or just to put a smile on someone's face?
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What Friends Do
for Cheer
If your friend is going through a difficult challenge, and you just don't know what to do or say, check out What Friends Do for Cheer. You will find creative ways to spend time with your friend, or just to intiate the contact with someone you've not talked with for awhile. |
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WhatFriendsDo.com January 2008 Newsletter |
Greetings!
Happy New Year!
It's the beginning of January, so resolutions and getting organized seem to be on many people's 'to do' list right now. While making your list, be sure to include friendships. Since WhatFriendsDo.com is all about the team concept of helping friends when it's needed most, a few ideas are listed below for how you can resolve to be a better friend, and to be open to the friendship others extend to you.
Whether your friend lives next door or across the country, is your closest confidant or someone you see occasionally at school functions, or is your brother or a distant cousin - resolve to improve that relationship and make a difference to your friendship in 2008.
Resolutions
Like all resolutions, be realistic with what you expect of yourself. Make your goals attainable so that your friend-in-need will know how much you value the friendship you share.
- Send a note to your friend acknowledging the anniversary of a death, a birthday or a major milestone.
- Sign your friend's WhatFriendsDo.com guestbook at least once each week.
- Invite someone out to lunch (on a specific day - not just a general invitation!)
- Relieve a caretaker for an afternoon or evening.
- Plan a get-together for friends - a dinner, card party, movie night.
- Visit the WhatFriendsDo.com Help Schedule weekly to sign up to help.
- Celebrate at least one WhatFriendsDo.com "special day" each month.
If you are the one going through a difficult challenge:
- Resolve to accept offers to run errands, bring meals, be your chauffeur.
- Accept invitations extended to you or your family.
- Accept offers from friends who volunteer to fill in as your primary caregiver for a few hours.
- All you have to do in return is say "thank you!"
Getting Organized
Organize friendships? Well no, not really. But sometimes with the hectic pace of our own jobs and families our intentions never become actions. Sometimes it is good to actually schedule some time for friendship. Rely on your calendar: go to your calendar (right now!) and add reminders for the things you want to do for and with your friends.
Part of being a good friend can mean helping someone else get organized. Keeping track of medical records, doctor appointments, and sorting out all the bills. One of our partner websites (www.jakoter.com) 
offers some really great resources for getting organized, and we encourage you to check them out. You might even get motivated to get all your own medical records organized!
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Friends Making a Difference
As the love of my life lost his battle with cancer, through my tear streaked eyes I saw many friends and family that I had asked to come to support and be there with me. I had always felt it was a privilege to be there when someone passes on. I wanted to share it with our friends and family. Perhaps, I was too afraid to be there by myself. As the time grew near, I just wanted the earth to open up and swallow me. Through the eyes of my friends, is where I found my strength. They were there for me when he could no longer speak and that unbelievable weight fell upon me. They would go to the hospital and read the sports section to him, sit with him and watch the game. They would talk to him and me about the kids, the news, anything. It brought me comfort to think these people would want to be there for all of us. It somehow lightened that weight for me. They would say, "That's what friends do".
When I needed rides for my kids, they were there. When I didn't have time to cook, they cooked. Some brought local restaurant gift cards. Some made soup. Some told me when I wasn't thinking straight. Some came over and said go take a nap. Some even sent others away to give me peace. Some fielded phone calls. Some worked on schedules. Some were the information connection. Some folded laundry. Some made sure the bills were paid. Some helped me write thank you notes. Some just listened. Some just talked. Some shoveled snow. Some opened up their houses, but all opened up their hearts and prayed. "That's what friends do."
Well, it's been nine months now and my family and friends have gone back to their lives. My friends are still giving me strength. I am so grateful that they haven't forgotten me. They check-in.with me. They tell me of their lives. They listen to my stories. When I see them, they are happy to see I'm doing ok. I still have my moments that I miss my partner and they share in that too. There is no way I can repay any of them for their generosity, time, support, and strength. When I've tried to express my appreciation to them, their reply is That's what friends do.
Diane O'Hara | |
We might not be able to change the outcome of your situation, but we hope we can change the journey!
WhatFriendsDo.com Staff
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