Friendships as Success

The one thing in my life that I am proudest of is my relationship with my close group of friends.

I’m sure that there are many people who wouldn’t consider friendships as accomplishments, especially not in the traditional sense, and if I were to ask others to list their successes, they might include anything from their education or career progression, to material possessions, property, or financial wealth. However, when assessing my life so far, my education and my career pale in comparison to the strong relationships I have helped to cultivate. Our group has changed over the years, but the core of us have been friends for more than sixteen years now and maintaining so many close, interconnected relationships for that length of time takes a sustained effort from everyone.

My mom’s parents, Qayum and Shirley, were both part of a close group of friends that has existed for nearly sixty years, if not longer. My grandfather moved to Canada from Pakistan to pursue an education in petroleum engineering at the University of Alberta, where he met many of his lifelong friends that formed the core of their group. These friends all became my pseudo-aunts and uncles because of how often I saw them growing up (they still meet weekly to play bridge), and I remember attending their 50-years of friendship party before my grandparents passed away.

What I adore about my aunts and uncles, is that many of them feel the same way I do about my own friendships, and I’ve heard many of them claim upon numerous occasions that their greatest accomplishment is that they have fostered a multi-generational group-friendship for so long. They’re not just friends, they’re family, and this is how I feel about my own friends. I would much rather dedicate the rest of my life to maintaining these friendships and sharing new memories together over the pursuit of a prestigious career or wealth.

I don’t remember my grandparents because of their career accomplishments, what they learned in school, or what possessions they owned. They were good, caring people, and I remember them through their relationships to others — including myself. I don’t get to see these aunts and uncles much anymore, especially since my grandparents passed away, but whenever I get the opportunity, they don’t hesitate to praise my grandparents for their love, compassion, and kindness, which is how I hope to speak of my friends when we reach that age.

I am so proud of what we have built together.