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Written by Jeff (49, Male, United States)
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My friendship stone accompanies me every time I go to work in a busy urban hospital emergency  department. It is a small piece of earth from far away that has been chosen and polished and handed from friend to friend. It brings with it the spirit of its origin, along with all of the love and energy that has been instilled into it along its path to my briefcase. A small piece of earth nestled alongside medical equipment and office supplies, reminding me of the real reason we became healers and the real goal of our work.
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Written by Marcia (Female, United States)
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I just went to the laboratory to get my blood drawn and I mentioned to the girl up front it was so nice to see a familiar face because they change the personnel so often. She said thanks and looked down . I asked what’s wrong? She said she didn’t feel so good. I said, HMMMM, I have a gift for you that will make you feel better. I gave her one of the friendship stones I keep in my pocket and explained how if you change the angle you get a new and different perspective. She loved it! She gave me a big hug and told the technician to treat me very good! Now I’m always going to be remembered as the one who gave her that beautiful stone with love to make her feel better. She forgot for that moment that she didn’t feel good.
I think I’ll give myself a stone!
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Written by Loretta (43, Female, United States)
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 I received the friendship stone from my sister. I carry it in my pocket daily as a reminder of our connection of being sisters and friends. When I find it in my pocket, it soothes me. . .it's so beautiful that I sometimes take it out just to enjoy it unto itself. I look forward to giving them away.
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Written by Anna (40, Female, China)
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It was such a wonderful experience meeting you on the train to Providence. Right now, the meaningful, amazing  stone is sitting on my window sill...although I don't know much about it, I do feel love, friendship, caring...Thank you for your kindness.
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Written by Lori (54, Female, United States)
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Dear Jill,
I was so touched by the friendship stone you gave me today or so many reasons. First of all, the stone itself is  beautiful. I found myself unable to let go of the stone today. It brought me comfort and helped to keep me centered throughout the day.
A few minutes after I arrived at school today I was greeted with the news that Francesca's (our teacher in 503) stepfather (age 61) died very suddenly last night. Francesca is on maternity leave with a 6 week old baby. We all felt so stricken by this news, which truly highlighted how little control we have over our lives. And the message of the stone, to choose a different perspective seemed especially powerful.
So your gift came at the right time, in addition to being a very lovely gesture.
So thank you very, very much.
Love,
Lori
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Written by Paco (56, Male, United States)
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It is my pleasure to be one of your customers. Your product provides me with the opportunity to reach out to my friends in a way that is heart-felt and genuine. I can't think of any other object that can better represent me and become my personal ambassador to my friends. The Friendship Stone becomes an extension of my spiritual being, of my sense of presence, and of my commitment to making a tangible contribution to those in South Africa who have labored to bring these objects of beauty into being. By extension, these strangers also become threads in my
personal web of friendships. The Friendhsip Stone is not only a gift I give, but also a gift I receive in the process of giving it.
Thank you for making it available. I pray for the success of your company. Know that what you are doing is not only building a business, but building community. And that is a precious contribution to the healing of our often fractured world.
Many blessings,
Paco
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Written by shari (43, Female, Israel)
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My daughter 3.5 was having some difficulties getting used to her new preschool. Prior to arriving at the stairs of the school, she would say mommy - not today, I don’t want to go, I will stay with you today! Leaving her at preschool was just as hard for me as it was for her, watching her with tears in her eyes while saying good bye in the mornings brought tears to my eyes. I would quickly turn away so that she wouldn’t see me!
I decided to give Ma’ayan my special friendship stone that evening before going to bed. I told her that this is a special gift from me to her, it is our friendship stone. She looked at it, examined it! We talked about the beautiful colors and how they changed when holding it at different angles. I told her that she can put it in her bag that she takes to preschool, and if she is feeling sad or misses me during the day, she can go to her bag take out her special friendship stone, hold it real tight, close her eyes and pretend that she is hugging me and I am hugging her back! Ma’ayan thought that this was a great idea. The next morning, in the rush to get out of the house on time, she asked mommy is my friendship stone in my bag? I couldn’t believe that she remembered! I told her that it was - and that it would always be there for her!
Later that week, in the afternoon when I went to pick Ma’ayan up from preschool, her teacher called me over to the side and asked Shari what is in Ma’ayan’s bag? When ever she seems to be a little sad or upset about something, she goes out to her bag for a few minutes - and then comes back smiling? I went to get Ma’ayan’s bag and together with Ma’ayan we explained to her teacher all about Ma’ayans special friendship stone.
The teacher was impressed....so am I! Today a few weeks later, Ma’ayan goes to preschool smiling every morning, kisses me goodbye and tells me I better hurry or I will be late for work! She makes sure that it is in her bag EVERY morning and she has proudly shown her friendship stone at show and tell .
She loves her stone!
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Written by Paul (43, Male, United States)
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My friendship stone is always with me (I had it attached to a leather band and wear it around my neck) and although it sounds sentimental it is one of the most valuable presents I have ever received.
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Written by Sandy, 75, Female, United States
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I was recently coping with some challenges in my life and my dear friend Marcia sent me two Friendship Stones with a note that read: "To my life's longest friend...I am here for you always."
We have been friends since we were young girls in the seventh grade. It was a "coming-of-age time" in our lives, our futures unknown but so full of promise. They were golden days filled with fun and laughter and joy for us both.
We are both about to turn 76 years old and have not lived in the same city for more than 50 years. But time and distance have not diminished our special connection to one another.
I was deeply moved and strengthened by Marcia's gift of the Friendship Stones. I am having one friendship stone put on a neck chain to wear every day as a constant reminder of the warm and happy memories we share.
The beautiful friendship stone indeed brings me good luck--the good luck and blessing of every new day.
I will give the second stone to a friend who might need a lift, a hug, or a strong shoulder. The friendship stone can do all that.
Sandy
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