Open letter to a loyal friend

Dear Samson: Many times people only realize the value of a friend after he is no more(dead or lost) and heaping praise and appreciation to a motionless person or a goner doesn’t make any meaning, therefore this day, I want to reveal to you how precious you are to me. Words inform of alphabetical letters may not be the best form of expression but being that we are now miles apart and it’s the only means I can afford, you will bear with me. I will begin by congratulating you and myself for having a friendship that stood a test of time, many friends have fallen out or disappointed each other, some have had their friendship broken up by distance but I am grateful that our bond has overcome those hurdles. You liked me not only for my desirable qualities but for my faults and unattractive aspects as well, so I count myself among lucky souls for meeting you, friends of your type are hard to find in this day. Therefore, for your boundless and unconditional love, I am endlessly grateful. I deeply feel privileged that you have continued to take an important part in my life, you have been a wonderfully protective and supportive person, sided with me regardless of whether in the wrong or right, encouraged me to follow my dreams when I felt let down, you were there for me when I was in love, in pain and in confusion, had faith in me than I ever had in myself and now in return I trust you with everything I have and everything I am. To me, you are more of a soul-sibling than just a friend, talking to you is like shelter, hearing your voice makes my day shine, we did many things together, silly ones not exempted, one silly deed that particularly stands out in my mind is when we shared answers during a test in Junior 3, I know it was wrong but this was an indication of how strong our bond had become or was promising to become. When life at school became difficult or boring you made it fun with your endless jokes, you became my medicine when I felt stressed or depressed. I also want to confess that your smart, funny, confident but loving and generous character did not only leave me in wonder but total admiration as well. So this letter is meant to celebrate our friendship, make our bond stronger and a prayer to God to keep us joined eternally. Yours, Ivan Ngoboka