How do you thank friends who stood by during tough times?

[SendTheGOPPacking]

I am feeling sentimental today. I have such a great circle of friends and coworkers.

We went through such rough times over last year with layoffs and unemployment, and we were so close and such a good team before we got laid off that we kept up with regular meets and emails afterwords that it proved to be so valuable in the inevitable depressions that followed.

There were bill collectors, home foreclosures, drinking problems, therapy sessions, near divorces, crying jags, many emails and phone calls, a few reunions at the local hangout, and monthly luncheons. Not to mention many private home visits in times of need or just for the hell of it.

This year things seem to be settling down and getting better for everyone. A few have found jobs or started their own businesses. I am okay too, now, but I had some pretty rocky moments last year.

How do you thank such people for just helping you to stay alive during such tough times? I mean, such desperate times when staying alive so often felt negotiable?

I got a call last weekend from a coworker who experienced many of the problems above last year and he and I have been especially close throughout this last year. He had just landed a job a couple states away and will have to leave his wife and family for the next several months but they are ecstatic about it. I just feel so grateful that he thought I deserved a phone call as he was packing to leave.

How do you show gratitude to such good people? I am, truly grateful. And I am having a better year already.

Boy, this last year was a doozy. There will never be another one like it. At least I hope not

[wryter2000]

1. Tell them

Get everyone together for dinner and tell them. Have lots of tissues on hand and a designated driver.

[madmax]

5. Excellent idea wryter

I think this would be a wonderful way to show your appreciation to your friends and them to you and to other as well. Sounds like a wonderful experience. Go for it!! :toast:

[SendTheGOPPacking]

6. We do plan to get together again this Friday.

The big get togethers are like this are hard for some of us to connect though, because its like 50 people and we can't connect as a closer group that way.

We do sneak in some hugs and kisses this way though.

But it's still a great comradarie time with others. I'm looking forward to it.:)

[Aristus]

2. Return the favor.

The most sincere thank you is the one where you return their kindness and thoughtfulness by being there for them when they are down.

[SendTheGOPPacking]

7. Oh, I have...

And it has helped me immensely to be on the giving end of this on so many occasions. It pulled me out of myself, which was good.

[leftynyc]

3. I'm a big fan of handwritten notes or letters

Hardly anyone does it anymore with email around and don't be afraid to be sentimental. It's important to count your blessings everyday and let these people know you consider them one of those blessings. Also, be there when they need you.

[SendTheGOPPacking]

10. We have pretty much done this with

with emails, and home visits and phone calls especially. This is a pretty close knit group.

Well, some of the guys have trouble with doing this, cuz they are just guys, but that's what makes it so adoring to me when they do.

[wryter2000]

4. Or...

If people are moving away, go to Yahoogroups and set up a private group so that you can keep in touch and follow up on successes.

I've been in a group of nine writers who all got burned by the same dishonest publisher. Probably for 10 years or so. I haven't even met most of them, but we talk every day. Encourage people to just chat and keep in touch.

[SarahB]

8. I wake up from my dream state

Seriously. I have one person who was that close of a friend for years that stood the test of time and everything else and she moved a little over a year ago to Florida and it seems like we're fading now. Makes me sad. Seems like everyone else either falls into the temporary friend or acquaintance category. I miss her. It's time for a new circle.

[SendTheGOPPacking]

9. Are you telling me or yourself?

[SarahB]

11. I'm just babbling about junk as usual.

I'm sorry. If I could delete it now, I would. All I can think of as a proper response is to say "thank you" and be there for them if they need you.