Dear kids

If you are wondering why did I rush off on Graduation Day and during the BBQ at Anthony’s place, it’s because a very close friend of mine was in ICU and I had to visit him. Unfortunately, he passed away the very night.

This friend of mine was my secondary school classmate whom I had known for 15 years. Despite the fact that we moved on to different schools after we graduated, we remained close buddies in a group of 5. Over the years, each of us had our own pursuits and we slowly met up less often. However, the friendship remained close-knitted. My only regret is that I had spent my recent months mostly on work and had neglected this dear friend of mine.

The takeaway I have for you is that the closest friendship you can forge is during your schooling years; most often than not, your closest friends will be from your secondary school days. As you move on in life, you will realize that your environment and the people around you are more complicated. I think it is unrealistic to expect the whole 5N1 to remain in close terms through the years, but I am sure you could form mini cliques amongst yourselves and maintain this bond throughout your life.

My parting shot to you is that in life, it is not the success that you achieve or the wealth that you accumulate that is most important, but your health, your friends and your family that are priceless.

ELKY