For over thirty years we have been friends.
Remember how we met by chance at a party when we were in our late twenties? And how we hit it off at once, as if we had already known each other a lifetime. It was so unexpected, a delightful surprise. I still smile just thinking about it.
I can’t count the times we have felt joy in each other’s successes and felt frustration and disappointment at times when things haven’t worked out for one of us.
Even in times of sickness and personal tragedy we have never forgotten each other. We were there for one another with flowers, flapjacks, phone calls at all times of day and night or a comforting silence that needed no words.
Never have I doubted your friendship.
Despite the years when we slipped away from each other when we lived in different countries and were busy with our young families, when we met again it was as if the intervening years hadn’t happened.
Sometimes we have been honest when others might not have been so truthful. I have always appreciated your insights, the way you listen to get to the heart of a problem and offer practical solutions.
Honestly, I find it hard to imagine what my life would have been like if we hadn’t met. One thing is certain, our friendship has enriched my life with happiness, colour and many new experiences.
I never have to explain to you who I am or explain about my life and how I got here because you already know. And I know who you are and where you have been, which allows us to be ourselves and continue to grow as we get older.
Pulling each other into a tight hug when we meet, sharing funny stories with warmth and laughter, and simply spending time together are the things I value most about our friendship. We still have enough unsaid to talk about our lives, passions and ideas over a coffee or a glass of wine, much as we did in our twenties – something for which I will for ever be grateful.