My Friend Debbie   
(Always My Toucan Friend)

When first I met Debbie those many years ago,
the thing about her that impressed me the most was her constant
good cheer and with which she approached every
aspect of her day, and she radiated it to everyone with whom she came
in contact. Her sense of humor was absolutely extraordinary.

Nothing was insurmountable to Debbie.
Had someone said, "Debbie, please get this barrel of monkeys to the moon
in five minutes," she would have said, "I'll be right there."

I could not have ignored her had I tried.
She was absolutely infectious.

If I ever needed a helping hand, I did not think twice about whom I should call.
I always knew if the job was daunting, it might be a job that one
could not do, but one that "two can",
and Debbie was always there, proving that
two most certainly can.

We mastered the art of our trade together.
We have worked together in various assignments
and we have suffered some less than happy times together, learning
difficult lessons of life, friendship and misinterpreted intent as well.

Debbie is a true friend, not only to me but to anyone she
has called her friend..
As long as I have known her she has shown genuine
kindness and caring
for our mutual friends. Whatever she has
done has been in great friendship and gesture of true concern.

By all rights, Debbie could have sworn me off as her friend
because were it not for me, she would have gone in a different
direction and easily avoided painful career lessons learned
in less than happy circumstances.

Still Debbie has stuck by me and saw fit to call me her friend.

Dearest Toucan Debbie, here's to you, my tried and trusted friend.
Please accept these flowers from me and know that
I am especially blessed to have you as my friend..