Turning forty for me was not a heart breaking experience. Turning forty was a time for me to sit back and analyze what I have accomplished and what was next on my "to do list". The strange realization was evident that my ideas of success as well as priorities significantly changed over the last few years.

The values pasted down to me by parents, always stressed that family came first. Now it was a bit different then eighteen years ago. Now, the worries of small children catching a cold turned into worries of teenagers getting into the right colleges, staying away from drugs, making good friends and making the right choices, became a major focal point.

My parents were the backbone of my upbringing, however, it became apparent that our roles were slowly changing. Their health was not what it used to be and it was my time to start looking after them.

I was very fortunate to grow up with very young parents, and two sets of grand parents. It was wonderful for all of my children to have grand parents and great grand parents. I believe that all my kids learned so much from them, and I take special pride in knowing that they had that opportunity. It was sad for all of us watching my grand parents get older, and more fragile. But it was wonderful to see my kids take care of them and return the love that was given to them through the years.

It's also special to look back and analyze my friendships through out the years. It was amazing to see that the same friends remained close to me for over twenty years. My best friend Julia, whom I've known since the early teens, is still my very best friend. Our friendship has grown and evolved for 28 years.

So what's the point of this article? It is not about what I achieved in my life on professional level, or how much money I made or lost. Rather, it is to dig into the relationships I have with my friends and to see how that has made my life so meaningful and rewarding.

Friendship is hard work. It is like a good marriage, something you have to work on every day. It's not easy to meet someone at a young age and maintain that relationship. As we grow older, we all change. The importance of a friendship is to change and grow together. It's important to have friends around during tough times, as well as next to you to share your joy. If you ask me, the most important aspect of friendship is the support, cheer leading and nourishment that such a relationship offers over the years.

For a good friendship to thrive, it is crucial to be considerate of each other feelings, respect each others values and beliefs as well as be sensitive to financial status when going out for a night on a town.

My father always said that you could judge a person by how many true friends he or she has. So maybe that was why friendship was so important to me all my life. Being Fabulously Forty, I would like to pass this on to my children and encourage you to pass this on to yours.

Acquaintances come and go....Family and Friends are precious no matter the circumstances never loose site of that.