In consequence of our increasing age

Death is inevitable but so too, before the bite, is increasing wisdom as perspective is allowed by time's increase on reflection.

I am only in my late thirties, yet already I look back on the friendships that have endured and see the people I admire for who they are.

Of primary age there are only one or two I sill maintain contact with, and then mainly through social media.  They are all successful and I am pleased for them but we have few things in common.

Of secondary acquaintance, I have a couple of friends I would state have helped to make me the man I am but, again, with whom I have little frequent interaction.  We meet up occasionally  and I am friendly with their wives and can name most of their children.  They would certainly get an invite to my wedding but they do not know how I live day to day and I would not presume to know their most intimate secrets.

Then there are friends encountered during my first undergraduate degree.  The people I know from this liberating era, free from home and hearth, are people I can do without for months or years even, because they are a part of my existence.  When we do meet up months, or even years, apart we are instantly on the best of terms again.  They might be respected bankers, politicians and celebrities but to me they are the naughty companions of my youth and I love them dearly.

But asides from all this are my professional colleagues, the ones met over years in my chosen field.  These are the people who get my frustrations, who know my dreams, with whom I can discuss projects and bounce ideas off.  They are my closest family for we share a language.

As one ages, one comes to appreciate this melange.  This stratification of good people fondly remembered for their place in your being. I wouldn't be without any of them; those who were no good are not featured here.  They are me.  I genuinely hope that, in some way, I too am them.