Nothing hurts more than being betrayed by a friend. There are times when your friend will approach you in order to help. A real true friend will stand by you in times of trouble and, because they may have your best interest at heart, they may give you some unpleasant or unwanted advice. You need to understand and try to welcome this help. Many times we listen to someone tell us what we want to hear. A friend’s advice, no matter how painful, is the advice we need. What kind of friend are you?

Happy anniversary wishes this week to Charlie and Mandy Cook, Mark and Marsha Barton and David and Ashley Cain on Aug. 14; Lyle and Geraldine Caswell, Michael and Cindy Townsend and Hoyt and Glendell McCaghren on Aug. 17; Mickey and Patti Brown, Tom and Karen Nelson and Chris and Robbie Chandler on Aug. 18; and Jerry and Patsy Creel on Aug. 19.

Celebrating birthdays are Latisha Hines, Anna Patterson and Katie Sharp, all on Aug. 13; Judy Harvel, Chelsea Montgomery, Ford Gates, Brooke Pettey Tankersley and Ali Petzold Mast, all on Aug. 14; Zoie Collins and Bobby Parker, both on Aug. 15; Scott Johnson on Aug. 16; Rodney Berry, Landon Dean and Lily Dean, all on Aug. 17; and Mark Sutton on Aug. 19.

The Robin Riley Memorial Softball Tournament will be Sat., Aug. 22, at Sparkman Park. There is a $150 team entry fee. For more information, contact Matt Taylor at 256-612-9183. Proceeds will go to Joey Riley, his two sons and daughter.

Once again, it’s time for our teachers and children to return to school. I ask that you would continue to remember our teachers as they take this huge responsibility of teaching our children and their welfare upon them and for safety for all.