Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
I had been living in Glenview, IL, for more than a decade when I began noticing a group of about 6-8 men, likely retirees, gathering together outside my local Starbucks every morning. Even during the pandemic, when almost all group activities had either ground to a halt or shifted to zoom, these guys were sitting... Continue Reading →
I recently had the opportunity to attend an event with Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor as the featured speaker. The crowd was largely made up of distinguished lawyers, businesspeople, and university officials. But the Justice wasn’t interested in speaking to just them. Her focus was on the small group of students in the audience.... Continue Reading →
My son received some nice gifts from extended family and friends when he graduated high school last spring, and he was genuinely grateful for them. I was curious whether he'd take the initiative to write thank-you notes to the gift-givers. Research shows that saying thank you is important not only for the person who hears... Continue Reading →
My daughter, who is a senior in college, called me during Banned Books Week a few weeks ago and insisted that I buy a novel entitled Melissa for her 12-year-old brother. It was unusual of her to be so forcefully recommending a book for her brother, and particularly one with a feminine title. My curiosity... Continue Reading →
The strongest people are those who win battles we know nothing about. Unknown Leslie Weirich's son Austin had so much going for him. He was a standout student, athlete, and leader in high school and then went on to play football at Wabash College. In college he received an academic scholarship, managing to balance football... Continue Reading →
I met my friend Patrick Riccards in 2006 when we were both working for Lipman Hearne, a boutique marketing firm serving mission-driven organizations. We had different areas of expertise, yet collaborated on a handful of client accounts. I've cultivated many workplace friendships over the years, each an opportunity to learn and grow. Patrick approached challenges... Continue Reading →
This summer has felt a little less relaxing than most for me, and I don't think I'm alone in that feeling. After a few years of a slower pace and minimal crowds because of the pandemic, The Washington Post has called this summer “the busiest travel season in a generation." It's been great to see... Continue Reading →
Any day can be an excuse to celebrate a special friendship, but July 30th was designated by the United Nations as International Friendship Day to recognize the "importance of friendship...in the lives of human beings around the world." While we at LOF advocate making every day about friendship, we strongly support the UN's goal of... Continue Reading →
As Rachel prepared for her weekly radio show Harmonic Ginger, she knew she was in trouble. Her positive Covid test was not the problem, because she knew how to upload her playlist and pre-recorded vocals from isolation at home using her own computer and microphone. It was when her voice disappeared entirely that Rachel realized... Continue Reading →
When you leave a beautiful place, you carry it with you wherever you goAlexandra Stoddard Thinking about the places I’ve called home sometimes feels like recalling a lifelong friend. Much like a close friend can be counted on to provide companionship and solace, certain places can evoke the same emotions. As the setting for memorable... Continue Reading →
Language of Friendship 