Inspiration

Five years after my wife, Brigid, and I were married, we received our final wedding gift -- an ice-cream maker.

In an attempt to cover procrastination with humor, the friend who sent it included a note: "I wanted to make sure the marriage would last."

Brigid wasn't amused, but she thought the present deserved a thank-you note anyway, which she dutifully sent five years later.

Her note read: "I wanted to be sure the ice-cream maker would last."

It's easy to judge. It's more difficult to understand. Understanding requires compassion, patience, and a willingness to believe that good hearts sometimes choose poor methods. Through judging we separate. Through understanding we grow.

- Doe Zantamata

Friendship is a priceless gift
That can't be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater
Than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,
It cannot see nor hear,
And in your times of trouble,
It is powerless to cheer.

"Even the greatest was once a beginner. Don’t be afraid to take that first step."

- Muhammad Ali