An Ode to Friendship

It is unusual to consider a day of mourning the best day but in a way the sadness of the moment brings about big emotions. This is the case of Monica and her best friend Eduardo, El Chino. For the last few days she has taught me the value of a true Friendship, one that went beyond borders, beyond time zones, and now beyond worlds. 

On Friday she received as a cold bucket of water the news of Eduardo's passing away. He hid his illness for almost two years because he could not stand knowing that Monica will be so sad. He forbid his family from telling her about what he was going through. Over this time Monica and Eduardo talk, wrote, made plans, changed plans, and always had a positive look for the future. His girlfriend, Jamie, constantly asked when he was going to break the silence, and he resisted knowing that the cost of not putting her in pain was his own renunciation of her care. 

Friday was an emotional roller coaster but as time has passed Monica has gain the fortitude and wisdom to move on and understand what happened. Over the last two days we dig into old pictures, memories of all the times they shared. Each picture was a trigger to anecdotes and stories. She understood that Eduardo wanted her to remind him as in those memories. They both did outstanding things to fuel the friendship that today is an example for all. 

Despite how much I love my true friends I can't compare anyone with how these two were for each other. And I'm sure that most of the people who have shown sympathy for Monica in the last few days can't raise their hand either saying I have a friendship like that. 

Monica and Eduardo's friendship is not the result of some cosmic force, it is the result of a good friendship that grew with care for many years. Why don't we nurture our friendships like that? Are we afraid to loose them? Are we too busy to value them? These and many more questions are the ones that will keep my mind busy and I will try to learn a little bit from these two who showed the world that Friends are Forever.

They were friends since they were in school 30 years ago. I had the privilege of sharing with him too, Ed loved our kids as if they were his own. 

Rest in Peace Eduardo, be sure that you will live forever in out family.