Each of us has a set of values, which provides a structural foundation for our life. With fundamental principles such as “integrity,” “honor,” “providence” and “kindness,” many details of day-to-day living come into proper perspective. I reflect and recall the times when I made decisions that altered my life. Deciding on family issues, a job, and business, or journey. Some of these decisions have led to ‘happiness,’ some to ‘sadness.’ Others, thought major at the time, appear insignificant in later life. Numerous I thought difficult; several I barely recognised, yet turned out to be central.

A few years ago I had met this special person, which I sincerely hope that she values our friendship as much as I do. At an early stage we talked about her feelings and emotions. I was uncomfortable and full of thoughts, confusion and questions. As we talked about life in general, I wondered, who is this person and what is it that is different here? In many ways I guess due to our difference in background and upbringing she seems to be offering a different way of seeing life especially when it comes to her personal life. As usual I did not say much and honestly I was, in many ways nervous, in another part eager to understand. What I was being presented was something that appeared to me as difficult to grasp and hazy. But I yearned for a better understanding of this friend and just to show her my love for her.

Even though she is a spiritual person but I can tell that she was wearing some scars from past experiences asking, “what if I am let down and hurt again?” We have spoken numerous times which lead me to more confusion about various things. One thing that I am very thankful is the fact that I now have a better understanding that if I do not love my friends, neighbours, enemies and all nature then I do not love myself. I wish I could continue to look inwardly to learn more of this person and myself and come to an ongoing recognition of these things. There is more to do, so much more to learn.

But the sad fact of human relationships is “People come and people go”, though we may wish it wasn’t so. Someone that we have loved with all of our hearts, one day can vanish from our lives, quickly and quietly. It’s not necessary to be a death. Sometimes simple circumstance can take a best friend, a lover or a partner right out of your hands, never to be seen again. There’s a quote “Every man is afraid of something. That’s how you know he’s in love with you; when he is afraid of losing you.” You may have invested too much of your time and feelings for that person and losing them is devastating. Any kind of relationship: friendship, with your family members, with anyone you love.

There are times that you just sit alone, lay on your bed and just think of all the people who have wandered away. And then you wonder, will there ever be a time when they might reconnect? Not just for a ‘blast from the past’, but a ‘real reconnection’, a rejoining, a resumption of the friendship routine as if the split had never happened. I lost a precious friend recently though I thought we knew each other so well and that I could read her mind without any sign or any word. But that isn’t so. ‘Maybe’ one day we will see each other again as we continue along our each individual path.

When I left Philippines, I left so many good people behind – with the absolute belief that nothing would change, that we would continue to talk and visit and share a rare closeness of heart. The sad thing in life is that sometimes we meet someone who means a lot to us only to find out in the end that it was never bound to be and we just have to let go.