I WAS with my colleagues in Dumaguete last week for benchmarking in Silliman University. It was my first time to visit the place and I find it to be very pleasing. But what is more pleasing was meeting an old friend unexpectedly. Seeing a long-lost friend with whom you have shared good and bad times together truly is a moment of treasure.
I am referring to Eric Arrieta, my best friend whom I have not seen for 22 years. I can still remember when we were so young fearless and so free, together we shared hopes and dreams and helped each other through troubled times. I thought we will always be together. But life sometimes is cruel -- I just have never expected we will lose touch with each other after college. I cannot recall but everything just ended.
And now that we were reunited, I had significant realizations. I have learned that best friends are like stars in the sky. That even if you will not see them always, they are just always there. The distance cannot change the closeness at heart and the memories will always shine to renew an old friendship. True friends are always together in spirit.
I also have realized that the best mirror is an old friend. They will give you a clearer and the truest picture of yourself. You will know your strengths and weaknesses. And it is more comfortable to learn from them because you know that they best know your deepest you among the others. And despite your inadequacies, they will choose to stay with you.
Best friends do not only know your best stories but have lived them with you. A lot of your friends may just come and go, but only true friends leave a footprint in our hearts. They are people who walk beside you when the rest of the world walks out leaving you blue and miserable.