Welcome back. I like three day weekends. This one was especially nice for me because I got to visit my 11 week old granddaughter Sidney. It’s nice to be surrounded by baby things. On my way home I heard a story on NPR that said yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of the book, “House at Pooh Corner,” by A. A. Milne. You may not have read this book, but I’m sure you’re familiar with the characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eyore and, of course, Christopher Robin.

The Disney studios have made Pooh and his friends household names. What do these timeless characters have to teach us? First, Pooh shows us it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, as Christopher Robin says to him often, you “Silly Old Bear.” It’s all right to for us to make mistakes, too. It’s what makes us human and lovable.

Second, friendship is just about the most important thing in the world to Pooh, Piglet and the rest. It’s right up there on our list as well. Sure, it’s easy to get into a mess sometimes with friends, but it is also the support of friends that helps us to really enjoy our lives.

Third, I have to confess that I love Eyore, the eternal grouch. I have known many Eyores in my life who always find the glass half empty if they find the glass at all. There is something that forces me to be more positive and hopeful when I am around an Eyore, someone who is so sure that everything is about to fall down around his or her shoulders.

I love to read, because, every once in a while, I come across friends like Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eyore and Christopher Robin. I urge you to check out these books and see what they can offer you.