During the last few weeks of 2012 our country experienced great pain collectively as we grieved together for one community many of us had never even heard of before. At the same time, many people were diagnosed with cancer. Many others lost loved ones, and others welcomed new babies into their families. Others started long journeys of recovery from accidents or surgeries. Life happened. Through all of it, friends rallied. Meals were fixed.  Errands were run. Children were cared for.  Phone calls were made. Blogs were updated. It's what friends do.

As we begin a new year, here are a few simple reminders to help us be good friends even to those we barely know, because after all, all friendships start somewhere!

• Shovel a sidewalk for a neighbor soon after the snow falls
• Deliver a container of soup (home made is great, but store bought is also great)
• Offer to run specific errands at a specific time ("I'm going to the grocery this afternoon; what can I pick up for you?")
• Be a good listener.
• Get out your 2013 calendar (right now!) and mark dates for sending notes to special friends - anniversaries of the deaths of loved one, anniversaries of cancer diagnoses, birthdays.