Friends Forever Whatever It Takes

Greetings, Hive Family, most especially to this lovely Family & Friends Community! Slowly, I've started to love writing again and I hope I can write more posts to each and every community I follow. However, I'm amenable that I'm not good at photo editing, so please accept my apology as early as now.

This is my first ever blog post here in this friendly community and I want to share with you my recent visit to one of my closest friends.

Friendship isn’t just about shared laughter or weekend getaways. It’s about showing up, even when life gets complicated. This week, I was reminded of how powerful and healing true friendship can be, especially when it’s nurtured with love, effort, and a little bit of karaoke magic.

After months of postponement, I finally granted the request of one of my former colleagues at work to visit his home in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. He was the first to resign from our work group, and this visit had been pending since last year. Most of our bonding plans revolve around my schedule, being the sole breadwinner of my family and a fur mom to my big, fluffy Chow Chow named Cardo. I can’t easily go out. Cardo’s size makes him a stay-at-home buddy, and commuting long distances isn’t ideal for me.

Thankfully, my ever-supportive boyfriend drove me there on his motorcycle. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have made it on time. But what truly surprised me was seeing the other two girls from our group. They came all the way from Metro Manila just to be there. They knew I’ve been grieving since my father passed away last July, and they wanted to lift my spirits.

We shared a simple but joyful lunch: rice, Pepper Roast Chooks-to-Go chicken, and creamy carbonara. The food was delicious, but the company was even better. After eating, we dove into a videoke session that lasted for hours. I’ve always loved singing, even if I’m not a professional singer, and that day, I sang my heart out. We sang solos, duets, and group numbers, laughing at missed notes and cheering each other on.

Merienda followed, with bread, peanut butter, and my favorite: coffee. It was a cozy moment, filled with warmth and nostalgia. I realized how much I missed them. Our last bonding was early last year, and this reunion felt like a balm to my soul.

These people aren’t just former colleagues. They’re my chosen family. When I was new at work, they welcomed me with open arms. When I had problems, they were there without hesitation. Their support has always been unwavering, and I’m grateful beyond words.

Despite the distance, despite our personal struggles, we remain connected. We may not see each other often, but our bond is strong. We promised to schedule another get-together soon, and I truly hope we do.

To my readers in the Family & Friends Community, thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it reminds you to cherish your friendships and make time for the people who matter. Life gets busy, but love and connection are worth every effort.

Let’s continue to be present for one another, whatever it takes.

NOTE: All the photos shared here are mine, originally captured using my mobile phone; just enhanced using the user-friendly CollageArt.