What Truly Matters?
There will always be "fair weather" friends -- those who stay and surround you when you seem to be prominent, respected, influential, and successful. Especially when your wallet is fat, they're sure to feed on the fat.
And then, there are faithful friends -- those who stay and stick with you, even when you've fallen flat on your face, and are seemingly down and out.
In 2002, twenty two years ago, I met this couple friend individually when they were still single. We then became closer friends when they were dating and then became engaged.
We bonded even further as we experienced the varied scenes and stages of life -- getting married, building a business, moving to a new home, having kids, going through business reversals, parents getting ill, parents passing away -- and the minutiae of small things in between.
After all these years, they continue to be unique, special, and select friends. I consider them as family, as they do me likewise. Our affection for each other has always been strong, and remains to this day. Ours is truly a faithful and lifelong friendship, with God as our foundation, and the One who unites us and keeps us together.
Last March 16th, these dear friends gave me this Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze watch as a birthday gift. I was flabbergasted when they did.
They also gave it as a token of thanksgiving for our enduring friendship. Indeed, we've gone through so many of life's ups and downs together.
It was such a pleasant surprise, one that I never expected. On the other hand, it was so in character of them, because they've always been gracious and generous people.
Since that day, and whenever I wear this timepiece, I remember them with greater fondness. I become growingly grateful for who they are to me, and I know they too are grateful for who I am to them.
I'm also reminded of how valuable time is, and however long I have been given. Time is indeed the great equalizer. The important truth echoed in the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Fellowship of the Ring", rings more loudly:
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Wearing then this Hamilton Khaki Field, reminds me even more profoundly to make the most of the time and opportunities given to me... to focus on what will truly matter in life.
In the end, faithful friends, dear loved ones, and closest family-- they are what life is all about. They are what truly matters.
When a glorious sunset begins to descend, Bringing warm and lovely hues, Burnt orange, gold, dusky purple, Pink, mauve, and blue, No timepiece on earth, With all its sunburst, textures, and polish, Co...
What an amazing gift to remind you about the beauty of friendship. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amazing story, gift and friends!❤️
@Lauren @arse41 Indeed, my friends, indeed. I am truly grateful. Just had to write this post to celebrate them.
Beautiful post, thanks for sharing it with us.
Truly a beautiful story from your past, present and future! May you and your friends always walk in sunlight and may you always remain strong in your friendship. Truly a great story. Cheers to you!!
@ghaigh @infinitekronos Thank you very much, mates. It was my pleasure to share. :)
You hit the nail on the head. It’s your family, loved ones and closest friends that truly matter. You have no idea how true that has been for me over these last 6 weeks. I went through some dark days, and today is the day the light will shine again.
Exactly why I get (almost!) as much pleasure gifting watches to my close friend's & family as I do getting them for myself. 👍🏻👍🏻
The best one watch collection in the world
Exactly why I get (almost!) as much pleasure gifting watches to my close friend's & family as I do getting them for myself. 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks friend!! Still waiting for my gift 😜
Naks!! Very very touching ❤… so when are you gonna send me your gift 😂
What a great post first thing in the morning, you’re a lucky man to have such great friends.
You hit the nail on the head. It’s your family, loved ones and closest friends that truly matter. You have no idea how true that has been for me over these last 6 weeks. I went through some dark days, and today is the day the light will shine again.
Indeed they are, mate. Absolutely. I'm glad you've pulled through your dark days and that God has given you new hope. :)
Exactly why I get (almost!) as much pleasure gifting watches to my close friend's & family as I do getting them for myself. 👍🏻👍🏻
Indeed, the joy of giving is irreplaceable. It is more blessed to give than to receive. 🤝
The best one watch collection in the world
Now that you got me thinking about it, I think you may be right, sir. 🤝
Naks!! Very very touching ❤… so when are you gonna send me your gift 😂
Thanks, pare. Padalhan kita ng masarap na ensaymada, oks ba yon? Ahihihi...
What a great post first thing in the morning, you’re a lucky man to have such great friends.
Thanks, man. God has really been so kind to bless me with such gracious friends. :)
Thanks, pare. Padalhan kita ng masarap na ensaymada, oks ba yon? Ahihihi...
Ohhh man!! That’s even better than a watch!! Ohh I like the one with the salty egg in it!! Ohhh man brings back memories !! 🤤
Ohhh man!! That’s even better than a watch!! Ohh I like the one with the salty egg in it!! Ohhh man brings back memories !! 🤤
O di ba?!
Grabe naman na storytelling sir. Bravo 🥰
Congrats on your watch and your forever friends
Beautiful story, and a great watch ❤️thank you for sharing
Grabe naman na storytelling sir. Bravo 🥰
Congrats on your watch and your forever friends
Daghan salamat, bai! Daghan salamat din sa Dios na Siyang nagbigay sa akin ng mga matalik na kaibigan. :)
Beautiful story, and a great watch ❤️thank you for sharing
Thank you, and it's my joy to share. :)
What a absolutely lovely story ❤️(And beautiful watch which I really like).
What a absolutely lovely story ❤️(And beautiful watch which I really like).
Thanks, bud. Glad to share it. And yes, it is beautiful. 🙂
Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing! I have been traveling a lot lately and so found it a bit late! You are absolutely correct about friendships, and you are very blessed to have such wonderful people in your life! I am 52 and can MAYBE count on one hand the number of true friends I have had in my lifetime! In fact, at the moment there is only one, but that is certainly enough! Thank you again for sharing your story!🥹🙏
Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing! I have been traveling a lot lately and so found it a bit late! You are absolutely correct about friendships, and you are very blessed to have such wonderful people in your life! I am 52 and can MAYBE count on one hand the number of true friends I have had in my lifetime! In fact, at the moment there is only one, but that is certainly enough! Thank you again for sharing your story!🥹🙏
You're welcome, mate. I really wanted to share the story. And thanks, indeed I'm quite blessed to have them as friends. In the end, dear friends and family are what matter most. 🙂