IJMC - Quite a Party

No joke in this one, just a little of my own junk. Almost every year, or 
at least six of the past seven years, I throw a X-mas party for myself 
and my friends. This year was slated as the biggest one yet. If I did not 
succeed, I came close. According to many at least, last Saturday's party 
was the best X-mas party yet. Which of course means that I will likely 
throw a few more...now I have something incredible to measure up to.

This year's party also gave me something. Through events with my party, I 
gained the chance to really consider something very close to me. My 
friends. Without them, I could not throw such marvelous events. A party, 
a good get-together, even a shin-dig, just is not the same without a lot 
of great people to be there. I realized I know some really great people.

Friends mean a lot to me. They help to keep me sane when times are crazy. 
They smile and laugh when cheer is in good order. They are people I can 
trust to be with me in both good and bad. Good friends are special, 
people I can share a few too many drinks with and know that the next day, 
we can all sit around a table and laugh about the escapades of the 
previous evening. 

Friends are those who stick with you, the ones who watch your back. They 
are not afraid to tell you when you are wrong, or even when you mess up. 
Friends keep secrets when they need to be kept, and tell people things 
that need to be told. Good friends are upfront, the kind of people you 
never have to worry about when your back is turned.

A friend is someone who brings you chicken soup when you are sick and an
aerobee on a sunny day. A friend buys you a drink at the bar just cause 
you showed up...even before they let you know they know you were dumped the 
day before. A friend brings you baked goods just cause their mom thinks 
you could use them. A friend invites you to dinner with their family just 
to keep in touch. Friends drive long distances to help you clean your 
place for a big weekend. Friends remind you they are always there when 
you need them. Friends help you build your first house.

What else can I say, friends count on you and you are there for them. 
Friends share their fears just so they know they are not alone. Friends 
cry together when they are sad and laugh when times are better. Friends 
count on you to remember where the ring is at the proper time. Friends 
know that they can let loose around you cause they know you want them to 
have a good time. Friends never let you drink alone.

My last party was a good event. A fun event. Most everyone close to me 
has already told me what a great time they had...a few even asked if I 
was throwing a New Year's party to continue the fun. I sit here so glad 
that amidst the fun and entertainment I had a chance to learn who is 
truly dear to me, who I can count on, and who I will always enjoy a good 
party with. Those people deserve everything I have, and once in a while, 
I can give it to them if only for a party.

I know a lot of people. I am proud to know that I can call the best ones 
"friend".                                             December 1999-dave