Lucky, Grateful, Thankful

Every now and then, I hear comments on how lucky I am to still have friendships from my primary school days. A number of factors have played a role in this. First and foremost, the advent of social media, a catalyst that got us all reconnected in the first place. Thereafter, it is all about effort.

 

It is fair to say that for the most part, the majority of us keep in touch on whatsapp. It is much easier for those who are single to meet in person more often, either for meals or the occasional hike. Special occasions such as festivals are a greater incentive for those with families to find some time to join in the gatherings. Whatever the case may be, it is important to be grateful for such friendships.

 

For many, friendships that were formed as young kids are the longest relationships we have come to experience. And for that we ought to be thankful.

 

 

Ranjit, Sharon, Yee Li, Wendy, Shah and I.

Childhood Buddies

This year has seen me spending more time with my friends from primary school. Having kept in touch on social media, we are meeting more often in person, and for a good cause too - exercise.

 

Morning and evening walks from time to time when the weather permits, have enabled us not only to stay fit but also to rekindle friendships that were nurtured when we were kids. It is one thing to say "let's meet up for a walk and another to actually do so". It takes motivation and a conscientious effort to cajole each other to participate.

 

Meaningful conversations during the walks and meals after have given us the opportunity to carry on from where we left off decades ago. In a way, our friendships have taken on a new perspective. There is a sense of appreciation, a stronger camaraderie. A purpose to understand each other better and further enhance the relationships that have been rekindled.

 

 

With Shah, Ranjit, Yee Li, Sharon and Wendy in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Primary School Buddies At A&W

It is pretty rare for childhood friends from primary school to still keep in touch regularly. Although social media has made it much easier to locate and re-establish contact with those whom we grew up with, some effort is still necessary to maintain those links. Still greater effort is required if we were to arrange to meet up for either a drink or meal.

 

On occasions where we do get together, it is always a pleasure to re-live the memories of our school days, more so if some who we may not have seen for a while happen to join us. The usual suspects, in a good way, always turn up most times. They are the 'backbone' of such gatherings so to speak, catalysts that drive the enthusiasm to meet.

 

We recently made plans to have an evening out at the iconic A&W in PJ State. Due to be closed for major redevelopment by the end of the year, we made it a point to meet there, a venue that we have fond memories of. Seeing each other in person is always much more rewarding that what social media has to offer, and we had a great time catching up as always. Here's to the next one.

 

Shamsul, Azlina, Airini, yours truly, Ranjit, Shahurain and Meng Cho at A&W, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.