. . . a Vase . . .

A Vase is a vessel used to hold things.
Some are fancy others plain,
different shapes, different sizes,
fashioned from any number of materials,
useful, beautiful, odd,
almost always very fragile . . .

The beauty of the Vase is easily enhanced
or damaged by what is placed inside.

A Friend's Heart is a vessel used to hold things.
Some fanciful, others simple
different shapes, different sizes
fashioned from life lived over the years,
useful, beautiful, odd,
almost always very fragile . . .

The beauty of a Friend's Heart is easily enhanced
or damaged by what is placed inside.

My Heart is where I hold things.
Wildly fantastic, plain and true,
different experiences, different gifts,
fashioned from time, God, family, and friends,
useful, beautiful, odd,
almost always very fragile . . .

The beauty of My Heart has been enhanced by
what's been placed inside . . . YOU.

You have given me comfort, love, unconditional acceptance,
laughter, strength, encouragement, joy, help, compassion,
inspiration, truth, friendship, and most importantly, the gift
of yourself.

I give you the gift of this Vase as
a reminder . . .
I am eternally grateful for all you have given me . . .
I am so thankful to have you in my life . . .

I carry you in my heart always . . .
and my heart is made beautiful by your presence.