First, an acquaintance is someone whose name you know, who you see every now and then, who you probably have something in common with and who you feel comfortable around.

Its a person that you can invite to your home and share things with.  But they are people who you wouldn't share your life with, whose actions sometimes you don't understand because you don't know enough about them.

On the other hand, a friend is someone you love.  Not that you are "in love" with them, but you care about them and you think about them when they are not there.

The people you are reminded of when you see something they might like, and you know this because you know them so well.

They are the people whose pictures you have and whose faces are in your head regardless.

They are the people you see in your mind when you hear a song on the radio because they made you go up to the person they like and ask them to dance with them, or maybe YOU danced with them, maybe they stepped on your toes, or just put their head on your shoulder.

They are the people you feel safe around because you know they care about you.  They call just to see how you are doing, because a friend doesn't need an excuse.

They tell you the truth, the first time, and you do the same.  You know that if you have a problem, they are there to listen.
 
They are the people who won't laugh at you or hurt you, and if they do hurt you they try hard to make it up to you.
 
They are the people you cried with you got rejected for colleges and during the last song at prom and at graduation.
 
They are the people that when you hug them, you don't think about how long to hug and who's going to be the first one to let go.
 
Maybe they are the people that hold the rings at your wedding, or maybe they are the people that give you away at your wedding, or maybe they are the people you marry.
 
They are certainly the people that cry at your wedding because they are happy or because they are proud or because they are so in love.
 
They are the people who stop you from making mistakes and help you when you do.
 
They are the people whose hand you can hold, or you can hug or give them a kiss and not have it be awkward because they understand the things you do and they love you for them.
 
They stick with you and stand by you.
 
They hold your hand.
 
They watch you live and you watch them live and you learn from them.
Your life is not the same without them.
 
These are your friends.
 
How many do you have?

I wish I could take credit for this letter, but I can't.  When I first read this letter, I was so moved.  I requested permission to reprint it in this manner, so that more people could be touched by its content.   This letter was written by a young woman named Chrissie.  She is 23 yrs old and is a patient in University Hospital, Durham, N.C., in ICU.  Chrissie is in need of a bone marrow transplant.

It was Chrissie's request that this letter be sent to the people who are your friends, who used to be your friends, who need friends or just people who need something to make them realize that they have friends.

If you're interested in helping those in need of a bone marrow transplant, here is the toll free number you can call.

Please do call.  There's all sorts of ways you can help!  Thank you. 

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends grieving over the loss of Chrissie.  Chrissie passed away at 10pm on Thursday, February 26, 1998 at her home in Greensboro, N.C.  Chrissie will truly be missed by those who knew her and by those of us who only knew of her.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."