December 16 – Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?

I guess this year I discovered a friend in my cousin Jan.  Previously, when Jan's mum Isobel was alive I saw Jan occasionally and we exchanged Christmas Cards.  Jan and her husband Colm were very hospitable hosts at their lovely home in Glasgow.  But since Isobel died a couple of years ago we have become real friends and I am so happy about that.  We were all shocked to lose Isobel because she was the life and soul of every gathering, a great wit and fantastic company.  She tended to attract all the attention around her but Jan has her mother's great sense of humour and I really enjoy her company.  I hope our friendship will deepen and I will see more of her in 2011 and beyond.