I just returned from a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where
two good friends tied the knot, surrounded by friends and relatives from
everywhere. It was a true celebration of love, family and friendship, in the
most perfect setting. To top it off, we couldn’t have asked for better weather
and all of us really had an enjoyable time.
On the way back home from this amazing mini-vacation, I was
thinking how fortunate I’ve always been to meet fantastic people that have welcomed
me into their lives and have become such great friends, pretty much everywhere
I’ve been either for just a short visit or as a resident. Being away from my family
for the most part of my adulthood has had its challenges but luckily those good
friends that were close to me throughout these years have certainly filled my
life so that I’ve never felt alone.
Interesting enough, just the other day a friend and I were
talking about it. We both agreed that when you move to a new place, away from
where you have grown up and from your parents and siblings, the bond you create
with your new friends is definitely stronger, to the point that in a way they
become your family. Actually, in my case it almost feels like I have several
families, among them I have a UP (pre & post graduate) family, a ‘playense’
family and now I have an ATL family. And there is my ‘met somewhere while
traveling’ family too!
And you know what the best thing is about all these families
of mine? Their diversity! Having friends that are so similar to me in some
respects and so different in others has made my life far much richer. I am sure
that would not have been possible should I have stayed in my hometown Iquitos and/or close to my family.
I hope that all my friends feel the same way about me and that I’m contributing
to their lives in a positive manner too!
Attending Ili and Mike’s wedding was definitely a wonderful
reminder of the gift of friendship and the value of family ties. From now on, I
will certainly try to make the most of the time I spend with both my friends
(old and new alike) and my family. After all, life is short and we just have to
fill it with lots of love to make it worthwhile!