There are many people with whom you will meet and associate with in your life time. You will face many challenges with these people and may even become close. However, there really truly are very few actual friends. But, those who are… these are very special people. It may take you years to know who they are. You may not even be close at times. But, the connection that is there will, to be cliche, stand the test of time.
Friendship is not something mystical and magical, though. It is not something that just “happens.” It is not something fated to be by destiny. It is the connection of the basic beliefs and values of two people. It is two mind that think alike, or at least at the core, believe the same thing. Friends can be different people–but in the end, their goals are the same.
This may sound a bit wish-washy, but I was struck tonight. I encountered a friend who I have not seen in almost two years. I’ve have known him for almost 8. For someone who has moved around as much as I have, I would have never thought I could say I have known someone over a time period of 8 years and be able to suddenly be in contact with them. I also would not have though that any bond could have lasted over that time.
I am again, surprised, at the agility of the human mind. We instantly reconnected. It was like he and I had been apart for a day. Now, this is not something like “he’s my new best friend!” We have our differences, we have barely seen each other, but I know this is someone who I can depend on and who I am proud to call friend. Someone who I am proud to share my accomplishments with…and proud to share my failures with.
Do not discount your true friends lightly. They come but rarely, but if you embrace them, they will last a lifetime.