hmm... I feel like posting in English today hehe =) (gomen!)

Tonight I watched the last episode of Friends. It was one of these sitcoms that you would never guess it'd end someday. Not just because it was fun. Not just because of the awesome actors and actresses. But because deep down, their relationship among friends and lovers was something I was always aiming for...

It touched me a lot. Because after 10 years, it came to an end. It reminds me that everything comes to an end. Of course, talking in character, their friendship would last even though they weren't in the same house anymore. It touched me because I know that my friendships will one day change, making the way they were no more.

If I think back, those days with my friends will never return. We can all have fun and still care immensely about each other, but it would never be the same again. Partly because we grew up. Partly because we will have other worries in life by then.

All I want is to be with the ones I care the most, and them caring about each other as well. That was the vision the sitcom "Friends" gave me.

Thinking about that makes me somewhat sad. My reality is not quite that way. My vision fades as an objective and is starting to become more like a dream, unattainable.

There will probably be a day when we all part our separate ways. The day may had been on my last day in Brazil. The day might be 30 years from now. We never know... What I am afraid of the most, is that the day already passed, and I still don't know. Or that I don't want to see.

Friends are one of the most important things we can have in our life. They are the ones who will stay by your side when they rather not. They are the ones who will come to your aid no matter where you are to make you feel more comfortable with your current situation. They are the ones who will be there gathering your tears whenever someone important to you passes away. They do not transcend death, but we will always meet the real ones again.

They are the ones who sit by your side in a cold rainy night even though they are tired.

They are the ones who will hug you when you need, without hesitating.

They are the ones who will not be afraid to show you their feelings, for they trust in you as you trust in them.

Friends are not the only light in our lives, neither should they be. But in a dark place such as the one we live in, they are one of the most enduring of the lights.

One thing I can't emphasize enough, it's one of the most precious lessons I've learned so far:

Love your friend as you would your family, for they are just like one.
Be honest and sincere witht hem just as you would with your family members.

But they aren't your relatives. Give them space to breathe, allow them to be weak sometimes.
In these times, be a shoulder, not a tall tree for them to grasp and help get up and look up to.

Take them not for granted. Always respect their feelings, even if that means silencing your own.
Always show them how much they mean to you. Don't be afraid. Never be afraid to hug a friend in need. Never hesitate to spare some time out of your busy schedule to make sure they are well.

For inumerous times, they will be your only support.

This is one thing I learned while being here. Most of the times I needed them more than I needed my own family. They are my second family, but not less important.



If one man's luck can be measured by the amount of true friends he's got, then I can safely say that I'm one of the luckiest man alive.