Moving On: Of Friends Who Have Passed Away & Friends Still Around

I was awaken by a call from a real long term friend based in the West Coast who told me he just finished talking for hours with another friend based in the Philippines. They're soon celebrating New Year's eve - they're ahead easily by 12 hours (technically 13, because of the DST). I was rather sleepy, with my mind befuddled by a lot of images from the night before. Having gone to bed way late after attending a vintage-costume party the night before, I felt just so tired (but gratefully, I was not drunk).

I heard from my friend from the West Coast describing how he has been encouraging this common friend of ours and still lives in the Philippines. We talked about another common good friend who passed recently (he was murdered!) and I knew this has caused so much consternation to the lives of everyone concerned (including myself) but most especially this friend who's still based in the Philippines. Our common bond goes all the way from our high school days - and we recognize we've been moving on all along these past few years. Our West Coast friend wanted to make this Philippine based friend to get hold of himself now. He's been actually the only one among us three remaining friends in this circle and who's leading a relatively 'stable' lifestyle, with a family to boot who's ready to listen to his daily woes.

This Philippine based friend could not believe himself that he's actually doing relatively better. It's just that he finds it more convenient, err, profitable to present a miserable state of his life to everyone who likes to listen to him. He's done grave mistakes, from which he's suffered since then. Gradually, he has overcome them. And yet, he's just so comfortable reminiscing details of his materially-wealthier past, of which I don't really like to hear, as it's really becoming more painful than anything else. You can't do much about the past, except to learn from its valuable lessons. To lecture about this aspect to this friend is simply beyond me - I have my own issues to contend with even before I consider paying focus on issues of people around me - we each help ourselves to be better, in the process. And ask for specific help, when it becomes bearable and practical to do so.

Whereas for myself and that West Coast based friend, we're not doing as good as we used to be, if we measure things mostly by materials means. We're leading almost nomadic-like lives (but we're not really homeless, just as yet he he he) - we just make the most of what life throws our way. The American Dream is still being woven, at least for both of us. I've no regrets, whatsoever. We struggle to make both ends meet. I don't have much to crow about, honestly. I'm grateful to be happier than before, though I certainly miss my loved ones, but that's actually another issue.

I remember friends who have passed away - death is always tragic no matter what form it comes about. I remember the very memories of these good friends whose remembrances in many forms in mind I hold very dear to my heart. I would have not been the person that I am now, without the presence of these friends who have come my way, and have since then moved on. They've just passed away.

In the meanwhile, all of us still alive make do with what we've got. This past year has not been bad at all. From my end, I've accomplished much. I'm actually just so surprised I've done a lot. I'm happier and thankful. Loving this life my own way while having been helped to be molded up so much by friends who have come and gone, I'm still around as I continue moving on. Praise God!