Irreplaceable Friends

“The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships”. These words were said by Abraham Lincoln.

From mid last year, my friends have been my everything.

About two weeks back, my friends and I had a business meeting in town. We enjoyed drinks, ice cream and fries before leaving the venue. Prior to the meeting, Pascal and I had agreed to slope downtown after the meeting and buy padlocks. I was shifting to a new place in about a week.

When our friends at the meeting heard about our plot, they decided to tag along. Henry David Thoreau once said, “The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend”.

This was a very special clique, for they were always there. The five of us strolled through town.

Picture two young ladies-(one of them in heels), and three young men roaming together through Kikuubo and areas around New Park on a hot afternoon.

That was us crossing roads, cutting through buildings, dodging people and items by the roadside and pavements. We laughed, talked and joked all the way.

Of all the years I’ve been in Kampala, downtown was a place I rushed through clutching my bag tightly. Downtown did that to you. Though not that Saturday. I was calm and relaxed while walking through town. I noticed buildings and places I often rushed past. Having my friends around made all the difference. I had a lovely experience.

Later when my shifting days neared, it is this very group that lent me money to top up for my rent. I am glad I knew I could rely on them. “It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us”_ Epicurus.

They continued to check up on me. Pascal asked whether I needed help shifting. I declined. I didn’t see why he would travel to Kampala just to help me pack and carry boxes. I got some guy in the area to do that for me.

On Sunday, four days after moving into my new place, I got a visit from Pascal and his bae Pamela. They came loaded with some amazing stuff for my new home. We cooked, ate and chatted about everything you can possibly imagine.

As it was once said by William James, “Wherever you are, it is your own friends who make your world”.

It is nearly a week since their visit but each time I look around, I smile. I see the stamp of their love in everything they carried for me. Each of those things seems to be screaming at me that I’m loved.
And I believe it. I thank God for all my friends.

“Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them”. ~Francesco Guicciardini.

The End.

Disclaimer: The names in this story have been altered to protect the identity of the characters involved.

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