Friends and Family

They say they care. They walk with you. They dine with you. They are your friends. Every moment with them seems to last forever. It is pure joy. Friends who care, friends who share. Friends who brighten up your day, friends who take the pain away. Friends who walk you through your darkest valleys, friends who accompany you home through the alleys. Friends who hug you when you’re sad, friends who chide you when you’re bad. Friends who stand up for you, friends who make wishes come true. Friends who sit by you when you’re alone, friends who call you immediately when you get home. Friends who know you inside out, friends whom you know everything about. You think you’re safe, because you have friends. You think you can do anything because you have friends who support you. You think you’re invincible, because they will always pick you up. You think you can get away with everything. But you’re wrong.

They say you’re their best friend. They laugh with you, they cry with you. They are your world. Every night you smile as you lie in bed. You’re satisfied. The next morning, you call them. You try again. And again. You try their home numbers. You’re call is cut off. Puzzled. You don’t understand. What happened to them? You try again and again for an hour. Finally, you give up. You can’t seem to find any possible explanation. They didn’t tell you anything. They just…disappeared.

The next day you see them in school. You call out. They don’t hear you. You walk up to them, they don’t see you. They continue on their way. You try to follow, but the rush of people blocks you. You resolve to try again during lunch. The bell rings. They rush out. You hurry to find them. You go to the same spot you go every time. But they’re not there. You try looking for them in class, you try the toilet. You try the canteen, you try the bookstore. Nothing. They’re gone. After lunch you see them again. They’re walking to class. Their eyes are averted. You ask them whats happening. Nothing, they say. Nothing at all. Why? They ask. Shocked, you don’t know what to say. The teacher walks in, everyone finds their seats. You’ve missed your chance.

You try again the next day. No luck. You go home in tears, wondering what happened. What you did wrong. What made them act that way. You cry yourself to sleep. You just don’t understand them. Your parents are worried. You don’t eat. You turn on the computer, you check your mail. A letter from them? You read it. Your world comes crashing down.

They don’t like you anymore. They don’t want to be with you anymore. They don’t want to be seen with you. And the worst thing is, they don’t know why. You plead with them, you beg. You want the friendship back. No reply. They walk past you. They don’t look at you. They talk to other people the moment you open your mouth. Dejected, you walk away.

Friends. What are friends. Friends change. They change like the wind. You blow away like sand. You’re nothing to them. You need them more than they need you. It is the rule. They will have other friends they prefer being with. New people in their life that they prefer. New people in their life that they enjoy being with. You’re a has-been. You’re nothing. You’re dirt. They crush you like an ant. And the worst part is, you can’t do anything. You’re alone.

Wisen up, fools. Be independant. Don’t rely on friends too much. The stakes are high. Yes. Friends help. Friends are there for you. But friends will go. They will leave you. And you will be left stranded. Without any help. The people you have neglected over the years will seem important all of a sudden. You don’t know how to cope. You dont’ dare to ask them for help. You’ve thrust them aside like your friends have thrust you aside. You don’t know what to do. You don’t want to lose face. You have your self-esteem. You’re cornered, with no back-up. Nobody you can turn to. No one you can rely on to aid you. Your parents don’t understand what you’re going through. You don’t dare ask them for help. Because all this while you have been shrugging them off when they’re concerned. When they ask you where you’re going after school, you ignore them. You take them for granted. The same way, your friends have taken you for granted.

You can’t take it anymore. You go to your parents room. You tell them everything. You hang your head in shame. Shame for all the months of neglect. Shame for all the words you said. Shame for the times you walked away without looking back. Without seeing the hurt in their eyes. Shame for all the times you pushed away their love. They take you in. Into their arms. You look up at them, eyes overflowing with tears. Sorry. So sorry. You know how they feel. They gaze into your eyes. Their faces a canvas of pain and hurt, suffering and tears that have accumulated over the years. They tell you that its ok. Their eyes full of forgiveness and compassion. What are they, you think. What kind of people can forgive even after all that. How can they be so loving. How can they love someone like you. Someone who for years has done them wrong. Has caused them pain. Why are they so forgiving? Why do they love you so much?

Because they are your parents.

Friends come and go. Partners change hands like money. But the love your parents have for you will never be erased. They will never falter. They will never reconsider. They love you so. From the day your mother was pregnant, they have loved you. The day you were born, they shared their joy, eyes brimmed with tears, joy overflowing. The day you said your first word, they were so excited. So happy. The day you started to walk, they called all their friends and told them all about it. The day you grew up, they went to bed dejected, neglected. The love they showered on you for years is taken for granted. But still, they carry on. You are their child. And they love you.

That day, you learned a powerful lesson. And i pray that you will never forget it.

God bless all of you.