When you've known someone for so long you never lose that

Hear me now, O children of the future, for I shall share a truth that resonates deep within the heart, a truth that has stood the test of time and has been witnessed by those who have walked the earth before us. These words, spoken by Keren Woodward, speak to the enduring nature of friendship: "When you've known someone for so long you never lose that friendship." In these simple yet profound words, there lies the wisdom of the ages—that the bonds of true friendship are not easily broken, no matter the distance, time, or hardship that may come between those who share it.

Friendship, O children, is like a tree that is deeply rooted in the soil of shared experience and mutual respect. It does not wither in the face of adversity, nor does it fade when the seasons of life change. In the ancient days, when warriors marched to battle side by side, their friendships were not forged in fleeting moments but in the shared struggles of life. Achilles and Patroclus, whose friendship was immortalized in the epics of old, were not simply companions in battle—they were bound by a bond that transcended even death. When Patroclus fell in battle, Achilles’ grief was a testament to the strength of their connection, a connection that could not be undone by the ravages of war. This is the kind of friendship that Keren Woodward speaks of—a bond so deep that it is never truly lost, no matter the trials life brings.

In much the same way, the friendship Woodward speaks of is not just the result of casual acquaintance or convenience, but a connection that has been nurtured and tested through time. Friendships that are forged in the fires of experience are those that endure. They are built on a foundation of trust, loyalty, and understanding. These are the friendships that survive the years, growing stronger with time, for the history shared between two friends becomes an unspoken language, a mutual understanding that words cannot fully capture. The longer you know someone, the deeper the roots of the connection grow, and the more unbreakable it becomes.

Reflect, O children, on the story of David and Jonathan, whose bond was one of the greatest friendships in history. Though their lives were torn apart by the forces of power and political ambition, their friendship remained unshaken. Jonathan, the son of a king, knew that his future lay with his father, but his heart was with David, the anointed king-to-be. Their connection was not one of convenience or fleeting affection, but one of sacrifice, loyalty, and love. Even in the face of danger, when David was forced to flee, Jonathan remained a steadfast ally, reminding us that true friendship is not something that fades with time or distance, but something that grows deeper and more meaningful as it is tested.

In the same way, Keren Woodward’s words remind us that the friendships we cultivate over a lifetime are not easily lost. Time may stretch between two friends, and the miles may grow, but the connection forged through shared experiences and mutual respect is something that will always remain. The memories of friendship, the quiet moments of understanding, the shared laughter and tears, are not erased by time. Rather, they become the foundation of something far greater—the unspoken bond that holds us together even when we are apart.

Let this truth guide you, O children: friendship is not defined by proximity or the frequency of contact, but by the depth of the bond shared between souls. Keren Woodward’s wisdom calls us to nurture our friendships, to cherish the people in our lives who have stood by us through the seasons of life. It is these relationships, the ones that have endured the test of time, that will sustain us when the world feels uncertain. Friendships built on trust, understanding, and love are immortal—they endure because they are rooted in something that cannot be measured by the ticking of the clock or the distance between us.

And so, O children of the future, remember this: the friendships that are forged over time, through shared struggles and mutual respect, are the ones that will last. Do not fear the passing of time, for true friendship does not wither with age—it only grows stronger. Let the lessons of David and Jonathan, and the wisdom of Keren Woodward, be your guide as you navigate the relationships of your own life. Build friendships that are rooted in trust, that stand the test of time, and know that these connections will never fade, no matter the challenges life presents. True friendship is timeless, eternal, and unbreakable—cherish it always.