1 . I always considered myself a good friend and I'm always there when my friends need me. I truly believed I was a(n) _________ friend -- until the pandemic(流行病) hit and I _________ I hadn't been doing enough.

I basically put my _________ in a couple of different buckets（桶): those I talk to daily or almost daily, those who are local and _________ frequently, those I catch up with(叙旧, 朋友小聚) from time to time, and those who I know are still my close friends _________ we barely(几乎不) talk.

For years this has been my _________, and for years it's _________ for all of us, I assumed. The _________ of the friends in the last category(类别), whom I don't _________ to often, is that I've known all of them for many years and I know we don't need to talk all the time to stay __________. But the thing I just realized is that there's truly no __________ for us to not speak more often.

As soon as we started going into lockdown over COVID-19, one of my friends in this category texted me and suggested we WeChat to __________. I realized we hadn't spoken in nearly a year! A global health crisis made me realize I should have been keeping in touch with her better.

What really __________ me the most was the realization that I had too many friends who didn't __________ me either during the pandemic. We were so __________ letting days go by without talking that even this unusual event didn't __________ that. And that didn't sit right with me.

I __________ the fact that it took the threat of losing my friends for me to be a better friend. My friends are so __________ to me, and I absolutely know I can carve out more time to be more __________ in their lives. I'm trying really hard to be the friend I always __________ I was, and truly be the friend my best friends should have.

I'd grown up that hearing endless stories of my grandpa childhood in his hometown. I thought I knew it all: the size to his tiny home, the kindness of his neighbourhood, and even the details of his favourite dishes making by his mother. Yet it wasn't until I was fourteenth years old that it all came to life. My grandpa and I walked along his old street and stop outside his house. My word, it was small than I'd dreamed. Over the next couple of hour, my grandpa seemed turn back into a boy, memories he'd long since forgotten coming back to him. I even heard new stories of his youth from neighbours which came out to say a long-lost hello.

Summer vacation is coming . It is time     1     (say) goodbye. You are a     2     (consider) person who knows exactly     3     I need. You are the person who does me    4     favor.

Up to now, I    5     (remember) an impressive thing. One night, I    6     (sudden) fell ill. You had hardly carried me to the hospital     7     you knew the situation. You took care of me    8     your own .     9     (late), you helped me with my lessons.I hope our     10     (friend) will last forever.

7 . The holiday season is the time of magic moments. Our hearts are waiting for something special to happen. Children dream of meeting Santa Claus and receive desirable presents. I'm sure that grandparents are waiting for their kids' and grandchildren's visit. If your holiday schedule is tightly packed, then you should find at least two hours to pay a visit to your grandparents.

We often forget about three magic words "I love you". Love is not a sign of weakness and our grandparents deserve to hear these pleasant and healing words. Don't feel shy of showing and proving your love. Your hug and a frank smile can be the best cure for different diseases to your dear grandparents.

Old people are very sensible creatures. They need both physical and mental supports. Younger people should be patient enough to pay attention, hear out and don't let their grandparents feel too old, lonely and useless. There're hundreds of ideas on how to make something good and useful for your grandparents. The best one is to bring a fresh and bushy Christmas tree to their house. Do your best to decorate it with lights and ribbons. Encourage your grandparents to do it together.

Unfortunately, people are like candles. The light of their eyes can die out in a moment. Chances are high that their hearts will stop one day. Why don't we begin to value things before we lose them? I know that not everyone can answer this challenging question.

I hope this week will bring a lot of joy to children, parents and their grandparents. Don't forget to treat grandparents with respect because they're an essential part of your family.

9 . Last-Minute Father's Day Gifts

Following behind Mother's Day, it's really no wonder that Father's Day is coming soon. To help speed up your hunt, we've tracked down some great gifts.

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Help your dad step up his egg- and-cheese game with a breakfast sandwich maker. This handy tool has separate layers for cooking eggs, warming ham and toasting bread, getting everything prepared in less than five minutes.

To buy: $ 20; kitchenaid.com

Crossrope Starter Set

For a dad who's looking to jump into a new fitness routine , this high-tech jump rope will stand in for an entire home gym. This lightweight rope is designed for speed, while the heavyweight rope builds up strength,

To buy: $ 70; uncommongoods.com

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

There's perhaps no better gesture than the gift of an always warm cup of coffee. When set on top of this tiny warming plate, a mug of coffee will stay heated for hours. Lightweight and easy to carry, your dad can bring this present to the office, library, or even a friend's house.

To buy: $ 10; mrcoffee.com

Final Touch Watermelon Tapping Kit

What Dad wouldn't enjoy the seemingly magical ability to turn a watermelon into a drink dispenser (自动售货机)? While the “container” should be thrown away after use, the tap can be used again and again.

To buy: $27; cratejoy.com