I couldn’t remember the context now but as Howell and I were driving a few weeks ago, we went down memory lane and talked about the friendships we had when we were back in the Philippines.
There were so much simple yet precious moments we had then. We were talking about how easy it was to just call on our friends to come over whenever we wanted to and how having friends then were something that came naturally for me.
We remembered how at one point, our friends and I dreamt of living next to each other or maybe having a holiday home together.
I vividly remembered I think it was the last Valentine’s Day we spent with them. Howell and I were already married during this time. We just wanted to hang out with them so we invited them for a barbecue at home. It was funny because we didn’t even have a proper barbecue equipment but we made do with a DIY one. We had BBQ and I remember jamming with them under the stars while one of us played the guitar. It was simple. It was wonderful.
I kept in touch with them when we left for New Zealand but distance separates. We communicated less and eventually, naturally, chose divergent paths. Four of them are married now, including my sister. I still get to chat with some of them once in a while and I see updates of how they are on social media but that’s about it.
I did a sobfest after that conversation with Howell because I remembered how I treasured those friendships. I miss how it was, but the conclusion of our conversation was that I do not regret a thing. If anything, I am glad I got to experience a colourful life as a young person because I had them then.
They may or may not read this but if you ever do, know that I think about you guys sometimes. Nothing has replaced our adventures and misadventures. Life was simple then but I had the greatest, most memorable moments with you. I hope you are all living your lives to the fullest! Who knows, our divergent paths may cross again someday! Until then, save your stories so that we’ll have heaps to talk and laugh about…
HandsVentures NZ 