Reflection on Friendship

Throughout life we look for connections. Unlike family whom we don’t choose but are born into, a friend is someone who appears one day and you like what they say because your friend and you think alike. You know your friend appreciates your creative thinking and is not afraid to say so; will stay by your side and never let you down. You and your friend become closer as the years go by. This relationship sustains you both, you share laughter together, your friend listens with an open mind, never condemns, and you come to them with your joys and sorrows safe in the knowledge there is no greater miracle than true friendship.

There's yet another kind of connection. I call it what-could-have-been.

It was December 2010. We were waiting for our train to Luxor from Cairo train station with our Egyptian guide, and enjoying a cup of tea and cakes, when we were joined by a young woman, a teacher from Bulgaria who was travelling with her mum and younger sister. She and I immediately formed a connection as if we knew each other carrying on an animated conversation. Turned out she was a fan of the Egyptian actor Omar Sharif.

Just before our train arrived, we settled the bill; she wanted to pay her share but we wouldn't let her. She thanked us graciously then walked over to the magazine stand to make some purchases. She returned to our table and gave me a magazine she had had just purchased. When I wanted to pay for it she wouldn't let me. I still have the magazine.

The train pulled in and I said to her at parting - maybe we'll meet some day. Two days later while touring the pyramids who do you think I met up with? She was standing in line waiting to enter one of the pyramids. The first thing she said was - remember, how you'd said we might meet again?
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Here's to friendship! And to what-could-have-been. May you flourish and grow in strength with each passing year.
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