Dear Hatters,

We don't hear much about those old-fashioned qualities referred to as "virtues" anymore. But, even though we may not hear them touted often, most of us in our age group still value virtues, such as mercy, honesty, prudence and tolerance, highly. Some may come easily; some may have to be worked at. I have always particularly admired people from whom one of my favorite virtues – generosity - seems to flow naturally.

Myrtle and Milton, both long-deceased, were my husband's great-aunt and uncle. I remember Myrtle complaining about the amount of mail requests for charitable donations they received in an average week. Myrtle's comment: "You just can't give to everyone who asks you for something." With a slight smile, Milton quietly said, "Sure you can." I doubt that he ever turned down a single request for help, even though his contributions may have been modest. He was happy to be asked and happy to help, whomever and however he could. I wish I had taken the time to tell him, before he died, how deep an impression he had made on me. Surely he would have liked to know.

Vice-Mother, Linda Murphy, is another person who gives of her time and treasure spontaneously and often. Early in our friendship I (rather reluctantly, at first) followed her into all kinds of volunteer service in our community. It seemed that any time help was needed – at the kids' school, at the church or with local charities, Linda's hand shot up first. I have thanked her often for demonstrating her willingness to give of herself. (Well, to be honest, I have complained and kvetched about all the things she got me into over the years – including painting 100 plaques for the kids' school Christmas boutique and spending countless hours working on a charity dinner/auction for the local Child Guidance Center. And there was more...much more.) But, in all seriousness, I learned a lot from her too.

Is there someone in your life to whom you can express admiration for some quality of character you have observed? Do it – while there's time.

In friendship,

Sue Ellen, Exalted Queen Mother

P.S. Did you know that Sunday, August 1, is Friendship Day? Celebrate it by spending time with friends, or just giving someone special a call to tell her how much she means to you! (And what better way to say 'thank you' for a great friendship than to give the gift of Red Hat Society Membership!)