As we are approaching the end of 2020 and moving into a new year that holds much promise, I am sitting here on a cold winter day in Columbia and feeling grateful as I reflect on my many blessings. Earlier this week, I spoke with a longtime comrade of mine about how he and I both endured several considerable life challenges this year; yet, our respective trials paled in comparison to our innumerable blessings, not the least of which having good friends.

I am extraordinarily fortunate to have some of the best friends a person could ever ask for, and since the arrival of COVID-19, we have all needed our friends more than ever. If this pandemic has taught me anything, it is that our quality of life is built on strong relationships, but we too easily take them for granted. So, as we enter 2021 and life (hopefully) begins to return to normal, I am going to be periodically featuring some of my friends in the KellyGram and sharing why our friendship is so dear to me.

Over the holidays, I invite you to reflect on your own blessings—especially that of friendship—and to remind your loved ones that they are cherished. May God bless you and keep you safe this weekend!