Our Legacy

The rat race gets us focusing on getting a bigger house, a nicer car, the next big promotion. Guess what: do you want to be remembered by the size of our account, the title you had; or the difference you made in people’s lives?

Friendship

This week, a close friend passed. He was full of life and loud, had a laughter that could fill a room, despite making funny jokes that would embarrass people on the spot. 

M. was my first boss, more than thirty years ago. With tough love, he pointed out my potential and highlighted the importance of perseverance. He also taught me that life is not fair, and we need to deal with it.

Lately, I would see him briefly, only once a year during my holiday trips. That said, he never forgot one single birthday of mine and cared deeply with his heart.

Our friendship matured throughout the years despite the distance and time. He praised my achievements and held my hand when things suck. With no social masks, no disguises, I could just be myself.

What Matters

As an intern, I was a clueless engineer-to-be, lost in translation and with no corporate life knowledge. M. was savvy and gave me boring jobs to train my patience and learn the law of the land. 

He included me in lunch breaks with my peers and made me feel like part of a bigger team. He respected me where I was, and who I was.

Time

Time is so precious, and as lupus warriors, you probably know that better than me. 

Little acts of kindness heal scars, warm hearts, and peaceful minds. The laughs we start, the hands we hold, the time we give, are precious treasures that we grant to others, but immediately harvest the benefits.

Thinking about my beloved friend, and the lessons he taught me, I will remember him by what really matters: the way he always carved time in his busy schedule to bring life into its fullness. He lived each day as a brand-new opportunity and made it a good one. 

Real friendships and love are timeless and can survive long distances. Simple birthday and Christmas cards bring people closer, and random notes remind others we care.

“A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.” -Washington Irving

Enjoy each day, as if it would never come back because it won’t.

For today, turn off the social media blah blah blah, call your best friend, tell him how much you care, catch up on all the latest and greatest news, and remind yourselves why this friendship matters.

RIP M. My prayers are with you today, and our friendship will stay forever in my heart.

Yours truly,

Hope

“Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.”
Washington Irving