That's What Friends Are For

I was saddened to learn yesterday that Burt Bacharach had died. It always surprises me to realize how a certain ARTist can play an important part in our lives.

Of course I grew up with his music. I remember mother in the kitchen making dinner and dancing to "Do You Know The Way To San Jose"...my beautiful mother, making meatloaf to Dionne Warwick's voice.

As  my daughter Jamison was getting ready to join the Air Force, I almost did not know what to with my feelings. She told me that she was allowed one piece of jewelry and it must be religious. She chose a St Christopher necklace.

Photo: My St Christopher necklace

I bought one also and wore it every day of her basic training. It did make me feel closer to her and frightened too. 

The other thing, was that the song," That's What Friends Are For" ...would be the family song until we could be together again.

At the time, I thought that it would comfort Larry, Lauren and Jami but that darn song makes me cry , even now.

Here are the lyrics.....

And I never thought I'd feel this way

And as far as I'm concerned

I'm glad I got the chance to say

That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away

Well, then close your eyes and try

To feel the way we do today

And then if you can remember

Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Knowing you can always count on me for sure

That's what friends are for

For good times and bad times

I'll be on your side forever more

That's what friends are for

Well, you came and opened me

And now there's so much more I see

And so by the way I thank you

Oh and then for the times when we're apart

Well, then close your eyes and know

These words are coming from my heart

And then if you can remember

Oh, keep smilin' and keep shinin'

Knowing you can always count on me for sure

That's what friends are for

In good times and bad times

I'll be on your side forever more

Oh, that's what friends are for

Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Knowing you can always count on me for sure

That's what friends are for

For good times and bad times

I'll be on your side forever more

That's what friends are for

Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Knowing you can always count on me for sure

'Cause I tell you that's what friends are for

For good times and for bad times

I'll be on your side forever more

That's what friends are for (that's what friends are for, ya)

On me for sure (count on me for sure, count on me for sure)

That's what friends are for

Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Our sweet Jami served her 4 years and also joined the National Guard upon returning home. That's What friends Are For means something different to her now.

Photo: Jami and and her good friend Ken Stumpf in a Medal Of Honor Parade

Jamison had a good career in the Air Force. Her friends and family grew and Burt Bacharach's song stayed with us through it all.

Thank you Mr Bacharach.

Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Love you beyond the moon.

Me