It’s hard to know where to begin really. When I count the number of years that we have been friends, I have to double check, really has it been that long? 38 years to be exact and inshallah many more to come. From the outside, I think many are puzzled by our friendship. On the other hand, I think many just don’t realise how close we are. We are such opposites in so many ways. You are calm and so collected, whereas I am loud and implosive. You have an amazing career and I am a stay-at-home mum. You are so sensible and wise, whereas I am googling answers to my life’s troubles. Yet our different life experiences have somehow bought us closer. If I had a photo album of my whole life, you would be in every photo.
It’s you who took me home to your house, when I joined your school because I didn’t know the way home. Together we got through our mums, sewing identical frilly dresses for us, ok your mum definitely won that battle. You were there helping me get ready at my wedding. Then you were my first visitor, when my son was born, you gave him his first teddy bear. When life tested me with dark days, it’s you who turned up to help, when everyone turned their back.
When I struggled with my faith, it’s you who guided me without judgment and reminded me of the blessings of Allah. Your endless support and encouragement meant I faced life knowing that besides my family, you had my back. You unconditionally accept me as I am but will never be afraid to tell me the unpleasant truth of a situation or my crazy behaviour. When I was taken to hospital unconscious, you dropped everything and came. You sat there waiting with my husband for news for hours on end.
I remember when you called me to tell me about how someone had wronged you and put you in a horrendous situation. I felt anger in every bone of my body, how could they do that to you, I just felt an overwhelming need to protect you. Life has taken us both on very different journeys, often we are not physically close but we emotionally present and connect whenever we speak.
I sometimes think to myself, how did this happen? How did I get this lucky? Allah truly loves me to have given me this friendship. You truly are special in so many ways. Your generosity and kind heartedness are rare. You give so much of your time and effort to so many. I have tried in vain for years to get you to say no, knowing full well that you never would. You would never turn down a call for help, you can’t, it’s not in your genes. It’s truly something you can’t control.
But I guess that’s what makes you so special.
What would you say to your best friend if you had the chance? Let us know in the comments.
