April 3, 2017 Friends Who Stand the Tests of Time and Absence (DEDICATED TO OUR DEAR FRIEND G) There are many variables which can help determine the substance and nature of long-term relationships, both personal and professional. I remember my daughters’ pediatrician asking the girls during their annual check-ups, “Do you have one really close friend or lots of regular friends?” That always struck me as an important question, and one that I can answer unequivocally. I would much rather have a few very close friends than tons of plain acquaintances. As the years progress, I see that I live that mantra. Sometimes the close friends have been important since childhood (shout…