Forget not an old friendship

Post 104 Old is gold

Having been on retirement for the last eight years, I have been attending numerous gatherings for old boys and old college mates. For once or twice I also joined in for my wife’s old girls’ gathering. During those gatherings, the halls were full of laughter and everyone was in jovial mood.

On two different occasions, I felt the loss of two good friends who were with me during the previous gatherings prior to their passing away. One was an outstanding footballer and hockey player; while the other friend was excellent in his technical skills.

As years go by, the number of participants in our gatherings gets smaller for obvious reasons. For those who are still healthy and active, they are the regulars. They are also the ones who can eat what is served on the table. For those who are suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, and other old age illnesses, they refrain from eating certain dishes. They are there for the sake of reviving old friendship of which we appreciate very much.

Old is gold. A page from my primary school graduation autograph album in the late 1950s contains these words: “Make new friends but keep the old; for one is silver and the other is gold.” It is good to have bosom friends whom we can share our thoughts.

“Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say.”
-- Anon

2 August 2011