Today is Friendship Day. I am not talking just about old pals and memories we have shared, but a realm of powerful connection. Over the years, I have learned that when we lift one another up (When the river rises, all the boats float.), walk with one another through the tough times, and dream together, life is better.
I am grateful to say that there are men and women in my life who have walked with me for many a year. (Many of those for 25 years or more.)
We celebrate those connections today. Those friendships.
What else do we have for you today?
From space mirrors to marathon milestones, today’s stories are powered by perseverance, love, and the kind of connection that can change the world. Let’s dive into the stories that can make a day better!
Feature Highlights:
- Sunshine by Satellite
The race for cutting-edge technology is ever before us. Especially in the area of renewable, clean energy. A bold new startup plans to beam sunlight from space using mirrors, illuminating remote areas and demonstrating that a bit of collaboration can brighten lives in faraway places. According to Techspot, they face several challenges, including sourcing materials, managing satellites, and the ever-increasing amounts of space debris. But has there ever been a breakthrough that has not overcome challenges?
- Women Who Built Bridges
In almost any industry, women have been making significant progress in achieving success; the plastics industry is no exception. In the world of plastics, the number of women is currently small, but that is changing. Plastics News shares about the trailblazers who didn’t just break glass ceilings—they built ladders so others could climb with them. Congratulations to them and all the women making a difference in the business world.
- From Trauma to Triumph
I know many marathoners and a large number of athletes who do not give up. After a life-altering injury at 17, one young man defied odds and completed a marathon at 20, with support from friends, family, and fierce determination. His name is Mason Branstrator. He told CBS News, “I was going for an ordinary day of downhill skiing, but this time, it was a lot different. “I remember thinking right as I left the jump, ‘I’m going a little fast.’ And that was the last thing I remember before everything went black.”
- Hope That Lasts
Medical breakthroughs just keep coming. This one is related to HIV. With a worldwide pandemic, this is big. UNC at Chapel Hill shared the news that the FDA has approved a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, making long-term protection more accessible and helping communities stay healthy.
- From Chains to Change
Robert Smalls was born into slavery. He commandeered a Confederate ship, bringing people to the Union army. Abraham Lincoln saw this and agreed to allow blacks into the Union army. CBS shared the story of this escaped slave who became a lawmaker and will be honored with a statue at the South Carolina State House, the first African American individual to receive such a tribute.
- Heart, Memory & Texas Grit
And here is the “feel-good” story of the day. During the recent flooding in Texas, one woman witnessed her community being overwhelmed by the flooding. While her home was okay, her neighbors weren’t. She began to walk the Guadalupe River’s shores. She found items and started posting them. Developing a Facebook group, Found On The Guadalupe River, and the group grew to more than 20,000 members. She was able to connect flood survivors with lost treasures. Jewelry, clothing, memoirs, and more.
Friendships change everything. They heal wounds and build futures. Friendship Day reminds us of who we are and contains the ability to overcome adversity when we walk through life together. So send that message, hug that person, honor that helper, and remember: the best gifts we give… are each other. 💞🌍🎉
Call to Action:
Who’s a friend who helped shape your story? Tag them, text them, or toast them, and let’s celebrate the love that never fades. 🥂📱👯 #FriendshipDay #LiftEachOther #ConnectionsThatShine
