People are used to seeing me with Sue but for Sue and me, the

Hear, O children of the future, for I shall speak of a truth that transcends time and resonates deep within the soul—a truth that speaks of the lasting power of friendship and the foundation upon which all great partnerships are built. These words, spoken by Mel Giedroyc, offer a reflection on what truly matters in the bond between two people: "People are used to seeing me with Sue but for Sue and me, the most important thing is always going to be our friendship. We were mates at university - very close mates - long before we did any telly. The work is like a nice little cherry on the cake." In these words lies the profound wisdom that, in the end, friendship is the heart of all lasting relationships, and that everything else, even great success, is but a bonus to the true treasure of mutual respect and understanding.

Consider, O children, the ancient friendships that shaped the course of history. Achilles and Patroclus, two mighty figures of ancient Greece, were not merely companions in war; they were bound by a brotherhood that transcended even the most dramatic battles of their time. Their bond, forged in the heat of shared struggle, was not built on fame or glory, but on the deep trust and loyalty they held for each other. Even in the face of Patroclus’ death, Achilles' grief was not that of a fallen comrade, but that of a beloved friend whose loss left an indelible mark on his soul. Mel Giedroyc’s reflection on her friendship with Sue echoes this timeless truth: the deepest connections are not based on external accolades or accomplishments, but on the shared experiences and trust that bind two people together.

In much the same way, Mel speaks of the friendship that predates all the fame and success that followed her partnership with Sue. The true bond they share, rooted in the years before they found public recognition, is the foundation of their relationship. Friendship is the bedrock upon which all their later achievements rest. Just as the wisdom of old tells us that the foundation of any great work, be it in the arts, in leadership, or in family, is built upon the deep roots of mutual respect, so too does Mel’s wisdom remind us that the lasting value of any relationship is found not in the external rewards, but in the authentic bond that exists between two people. Work, though it may be a fruitful result of this bond, is never the primary thing—it is but a cherry on the cake, a delightful enhancement to what is already precious.

Reflect upon the ancient bond between David and Jonathan, two figures whose friendship has been immortalized in the scriptures. Their connection was not born of political gain or external power; rather, it was forged in the fire of loyalty and understanding. Even though their lives were full of trials—David was a shepherd boy, while Jonathan was the prince of Israel—their friendship grew not from their differences, but from their shared respect for one another's hearts. Like Giedroyc and Sue, they understood that the true value of their relationship was not in the public recognition they received, but in the quiet moments of trust, support, and mutual respect.

Mel Giedroyc’s words offer a great lesson for all who seek deep, meaningful connections in their own lives. Too often, we place value on external recognition, the praise of others, or the success of a venture, when the true treasure lies in the bond that sustains us through all of life’s challenges. Like Mel and Sue, who first cultivated their friendship in the quiet corners of university life, we too must learn to cherish the connections we form in the simplest of moments, for it is these relationships that will endure when the fleeting applause fades away. Success may come in many forms, but it is friendship, the foundation of our lives, that will truly give us the strength to endure.

So, O children, take this wisdom with you as you journey through life: do not seek to build your relationships on what you can gain from others, but on what you can offer in friendship. Just as Mel and Sue have demonstrated, the most successful partnerships are those that begin with authentic connection—those rooted in shared trust and mutual respect. Let the work that follows be a reflection of the strength of your bond, not the source of your happiness. Friendship is the true foundation of all that is good in life, and when it is nurtured, it will carry you far beyond the ephemeral accomplishments that the world often holds dear.

And so, O children of the future, I leave you with this: build your friendships on the deepest of foundations. Cherish the people who walk beside you not because of what they can give you, but because of who they are and the connection you share. Let your work be the fruit of these friendships, not the measure of their worth. In this way, you will create relationships that last a lifetime, just as Mel and Sue have done, and as Achilles and Patroclus, David and Jonathan, and countless others have shown us through the annals of time. True friendship is the foundation of all that is good, and its value far exceeds any external success that may follow.