The question made me realize the importance of having true friends in life. And who are true friends? They are the people who think we are good eggs even though we are all slightly cracked. True friends stand by us in good and bad times. And they are genuinely happy when we achieve our dreams.
I don't know about you but for me, I am fortunate to have true friends. They include my family, relatives and some other people I have met along the way. Here's the list of my true friends:
- My parents: When I think of my true friends, my parents top the list and deservedly so. Not only have they always been there for me, they have also given me room to explore my talents.
- My eldest brother Joe Kagigite (see photo above): Although Joe was sometimes harsh on me when we were growing up, he has evolved into a very supportive brother over the last eight years since I took up blogging as a career. He regularly gives me positive feedback on the stories I share on this blog.
- My younger brother Symo: Like Joe, Symo could be mean-spirited when we used to live together here at home. But with time, he has mellowed into a very encouraging brother. He also gives me positive feedback on the work I do on this blog.
- David Mwakima: A Harvard graduate, David is one of those true friends that are hard to find. He became my friend in 2012 when he was serving as the school captain of Starehe Boys' Centre in Nairobi.
- Francis Kariuki: A year ahead of me during our schooling days, Francis is now a PhD holder. We have known each other since our boyhood years when we used to engage each other in intellectual conversations that stimulated our thinking.
- Boniface Muia: Also a year ahead of me during our schooling days, Boniface was a schoolmate of mine at Starehe Boys' Centre where we had our high school and college education. Even though we never interacted much at Starehe, he has grown into a great friend of mine over the last eight years.
- Thomas Waweru (see photo above): An agemate of my eldest brother Joe Kagigite, Thomas is one of those guys who believe in what I do. He has on several times commented that I am a gifted writer, thus motivating me to keep on writing and sharing my stories with the world.
To maintain their friendships, I always like their social media posts, wish them happy birthdays and cheer them in their endeavors. And in the case of my parents who are not active on social media, I always assist them at something they can't do, such as navigating through their smartphones.
While I continue living in this grand and magnificent planet, I will strive to continue winning more true friends. I especially look forward to meeting the woman of my dreams who I am believing will be the most loyal friend I will ever have.
Indeed, true friends are important. Bill Gates, the Microsoft supremo, had it right when he said, "I've been thinking a lot about the importance of good friendships in my life. I've come to the same conclusion as [one] Harvard study on human life: good relationships make you happier and healthier."
So, my beloved reader, I implore you to also form true friendships. Build a network of supportive buddies you can turn for help in your times of need. And don't take the buddies for granted. Keep in touch with them and be there for them. Do have a merry Christmas!
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RECOMMENDATION: If you've enjoyed the above story on true friends, you might also enjoy another one on "How to Win Friends" which I wrote several years ago. Just click on that link in blue to dive straight into the story.
