Time seems to pass so quickly that it's not hard to lose track of a friend that you don't see regularly. That's especially true if you're not one to rely on social media to maintain contact. My advice is never to worry about how much time has gone by and whether it's too late to... Continue Reading →
Black History Saturdays
this month I wanted to honor the work of my friend Kristi Williams in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kristi is the founder of an organization called Black History Saturdays, which aims to supplement the education of black children in her community. Black history is American history; they're completely intertwined. Morgan Freeman I met Kristi last month when... Continue Reading →
Loving Our Hearts
February has long been associated with hearts. Valentineโs Day dates back centuries, with some origin stories going back as far as the 5th century. So, when former President Lyndon Johnson, a sufferer of heart disease, wanted to raise awareness about heart health, itโs fitting that he selected February to be heart month. In the fifty... Continue Reading →
A Legacy of Love and Friendship
A year well lived. Those words graced the front of the 2023 holiday card that my mom sent to dozens of friends and family members late last year. My mom, Wilma, always loved sending and receiving holiday cards and embraced the trend of cards filled with family photos and an update on the family milestones.... Continue Reading →
Happy 2024!๐
On this last day of 2023, The Language of Friendship team would like to thank you for exploring friendship with us. Whether you've liked or commented on our posts, or even just quietly enjoyed them, we appreciate your companionship and look forward to continuing our journey with you. As we look ahead to 2024, we... Continue Reading →
Remembering Friendship
Last weekend I flew from Chicago to Washington, DC, for a 36-hour visit with family. Some might find quick trips like this one to be stressful, but it felt restorative for me. I spent time with my mom and younger siblings, and I returned to a place that still feels like home. Although my family... Continue Reading →
Finding Community in Crises
There are no words to capture the many emotions we've all been experiencing since learning about the savage attack on Israeli civilians by Hamas last weekend. But in processing this, I am acutely aware of the importance of supporting each other as we collectively experience this unfolding crisis with thousands of innocent lives lost throughout... Continue Reading →
Breast Cancer Awareness
You've probably noticed the symbolic pink ribbons on social media lately, a sure sign that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here and getting attention. The more support and attention paid to breast cancer, the better. Statistics show that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes.... Continue Reading →
A Season for Renewal
Fall is often considered a season for new beginnings. For those celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend, marking the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, itโs an opportunity for reflection and renewal. Most people would probably benefit from stepping back from the daily routines in their lives for a period of reflection. Even those who... Continue Reading →
Remembering My Friend Melissa on 9-11
If you've ever seen the opening sequence of the movie Zero Dark Thirty, then you've heard my college friend Melissa Doi's beautiful voice. I still haven't seen the movie, but I remember well the first time I heard the recording used in that movie of Melissa's actual 9-1-1 call to emergency services from the 83rd... Continue Reading →