June 1995, it was my second year in high school. Everything is working out just fine in my life. I had decent grades from the previous year, retained my spot in the top class and we just moved in to a new home. Everything is cool save for one thing: I had a disease. It was a terrible disease that inflicted my skin, my face, as a matter of fact. It started out as a simple allergy but it became worse as the summer heated up. It was so terrible that I had to wear a cap just to hide it. Why won’t I? I looked like a zombie in an old horror film. I did not make friends because I was so embarrass of my condition. I didn’t have the confidence to do so. Until that one Science class: a classmate of mine named Frances, sat beside me. I was so surprised of the interest she’s shown in me. It felt like she had a genuine desire to befriend me. That started it all. Despite my sickness, she did not treat me like other people did. She did not even ask how I got it. I guess it was some sort of acceptance on her part. It made her stood out. I, on the other hand, felt normal. I began to start laughing and smiling all over again. She’s really a doll. Days and weeks and months passed by and we became the best of friends. I couldn’t be happier.
July 2005, ten years later, came one of the most difficult test to our character. Her sister Elaine was diagnosed to have a weak kidney that if not cured and corrected early would put her life in danger. In that same month, she took her to the hospital for confinement. As if things couldn’t get much worst, I learned from her that she didn’t have enough money to have her sister admitted. While talking to her, I saw a tear fell from her eye. She must’ve probably felt fear, frustration and hopelessness. I knew I had to come to the rescue, financially and in spirits. I needed to keep her afloat. I stayed with her all throughout the process, up and down, left and right. We disagree on her options. We hissed at each other with her weird ideas. But it’s always been a good exchange. Eventually, with the help of the Lord, she was able to slowly make it through. On my part, it’s an uplifting feeling to know that I was being depended on. I realized it was the ultimate essence of being a friend.
But it wasn’t all sad and mushy. We’re the best buddies enjoying some of the best years of our lives. Talk about trips to the mall. Talk about the endless phone calls talking about nothing at all. Talk about pigging out on each fast food chains there is in the city. Then there’s watching VCD’s with Vhine, Kathy and Joarra. There’s enjoying the beach in Quezon, Batangas and Zambales. There’s rocking the videoke machine for hours. There’s loving the movies and the music. It was all good fun that is priceless, like the lovely Sunday morning. I guess it’s the fun that strenghtens that bond. Without it, life could get so boring.
But what does friendship really mean?
For me, it is a bond of loyalty and goodwill. It is an umbilical cord that connects us with people who is one with us in soul and spirit. It’s a pro-grip. It cannot be broken regardless of time and space.
It’s better than marriage for in friendship there is no divorce. (How many marriages have failed because they lack the chemistry that is a product of friendship?)
It’s better than business, for in friendship there is no shutting down. (How many businesses have closed due to lack of compassion and teamwork?)
It’s better than contract, for in friendship there is no condition. (How many contracts have been breached due to lack of trust and honesty?)
Hence, it is the ONLY thing that could last forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment