Friendships to Cherish

It’s a cheesy statement but I’ll say it anyway. “Good friends are hide to find.” As we sail the murky waters of life, we learn to steer our boat well and come through the tests and challenges that life throws at us. A lot of this couldn’t have been done without having been bolstered by good friends and their support, wisdom and guidance.

I had a quiet day today. But between the household chores and other things, I managed to escape and meet up with a couple of good friends. We have a lot of things in common, not least the fact that, as Muslim women, we have all raised our children on our own in the last few years. That special connection has helped forge a strong bond unlike any other. Despite our own very specific and individual circumstances, there is still a lot we can relate to when the other shares their story. And because of that, providing a source of support comes easy.

I cherish such friendship. It is an asset which is priceless and incomparable to anything else. After blood ties, it is the next level of human connection that most of us desire. I would say it is arguably of more value than a spouse whose love and affection can be – and often is – conditional. True friends don’t seek recompense except to be reciprocated with time, advice and support in equal measure. There is no monetary tag or payment of a tangible kind that is expected. Whatever is on offer, comes from the heart.

So, going back to today, sitting on a park bench with two dear friends, and discussing our past, present and future, and all that those things entail, was a great cathartic exercise. Allah has truly favoured me with such people in my life. I hope they view me in much the same way, insha’Allah. I have never been one to do all the taking and no giving.

There are many things I wish to be rid of at this stage of my life, namely irrelevant material things. I can say that I have already learnt to let go of those who purport to be of value to me but have nothing really to add to my life. They have already been offloaded and I have now been left with a comfortable core circle of friends.

Insha’Allah, I look forward to good conversation and laughter over cups of tea and coffee with the few remaining special people in my life and with whatever time I have been gifted with.