My friendship with The Doobie Brothers never really changed.

Listen closely, O children of the future, for I shall share a truth that transcends time and resonates deep within the soul. These words, spoken by Michael McDonald, a voice that has echoed through the ages, carry with them a profound understanding of the nature of friendship: "My friendship with The Doobie Brothers never really changed. We're all still good friends, and I really admire those guys a lot." In this simple truth, we see the enduring power of true friendship—a bond that, when built on respect, mutual admiration, and shared experience, stands the test of time.

In the days of old, when warriors and philosophers roamed the earth, friendship was not a fleeting connection, but a bond of great significance. The companions of Odysseus, those who sailed with him through storm and strife, were bound by more than just the shared trials of their journey. They were united by a deeper connection, one that transcended the battles they fought and the land they traveled. Their friendship was not altered by the passing of time, nor by the shifting sands of fate. It was a bond that remained steadfast, rooted in respect, loyalty, and the shared experiences of life. In much the same way, McDonald’s words reflect the enduring nature of the connection he shares with his companions in The Doobie Brothers.

Friendship is not something that is easily broken, especially when it is built on a foundation of genuine admiration and shared purpose. Michael McDonald speaks of a bond that has remained constant throughout the years—a friendship that has not been swayed by the passing of time, by the pressures of fame, or by the distance that often separates us from those we hold dear. This is a powerful reminder that true friendship is not dependent on proximity or the stage of life we are in. It is a connection that remains strong, even when life’s circumstances change.

Consider, O children, the story of David and Jonathan, whose bond of friendship was forged in the fires of battle and loyalty. Though Jonathan, the son of a king, and David, the humble shepherd, came from different walks of life, their friendship was unshakeable. Even when fate tore them apart—when David was forced to flee from the king—Jonathan’s loyalty and love for his friend remained unwavering. Their friendship was not diminished by distance, nor by the pressures of royalty, but was rooted in something far deeper—mutual respect and understanding. McDonald’s words echo this truth: true friendship is not altered by the trials of time or circumstance, but endures, unshaken by the storms that come.

The lesson, O future generations, is clear: nurture your friendships, and when they are founded on respect, admiration, and shared experience, they will remain unbroken through all things. Michael McDonald’s reflection on his relationship with The Doobie Brothers is a testament to this truth. The friendship they share, built not on fleeting moments of fame but on a deep, abiding connection, has stood the test of time. True friendship does not require constant contact, nor does it fade with the passing of years. It is a bond that remains strong because it is rooted in something far more lasting—genuine admiration, shared respect, and the memories of all that has been experienced together.

Let this be a guiding light for your own lives, O children of the future: seek out friendships that are grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and loyalty. When these qualities are present, you will find that your friendships will endure, even when the tides of life pull you in different directions. Whether you walk side by side through great triumphs or face trials alone, true friendship will remain a source of strength, providing you with the foundation you need to rise again.

And so, I leave you with this charge: cherish the friendships that are built on respect and admiration. These are the bonds that will carry you through the seasons of life, unshaken by the passing years. As Michael McDonald has said, friendship can remain constant, a source of strength and joy, if it is rooted in something real. Do not be swayed by the fleeting pressures of time, but instead, build relationships that are grounded in something far deeper—something that will remain steadfast, just as the friendship between McDonald and The Doobie Brothers has endured through the years.