Something I adopted this year when speaking to my patients and families-I would address them as “My friend…” with a sincere heart- it made such a difference. There was a shift in perception-we are in this together- friendship implies so many good qualities of a relationship.

Yesterday a husband of one of my patients, both in their 90’s, shared this story with me.  He said he and his wife were driving to South Carolina, an eleven-hour trip, conversation had gotten old and the silence had come. “Out of the blue my wife said: ‘You are my best friend Bob!’ I had never looked at her like this before, I had always just thought she was my wife! It made me think.”  It was such sweet moment.  Her eyes twinkled.

I have come to use this phrase it in many areas of my life-addressing people as “My friend” has built a bridge of commonality and love. In this time where there can be such diversion of beliefs-we are fed a constant media diet of separation- it is nice to know a few well-chosen words can open a gateway of compassion.

We are all children of God, beings made up of Stardust and Love. Let us remember our need to see the good in each other, the need to be friends. Happy New Year!