“The Value of Friendship”

I am currently sitting on a plane en route to Singapore via Taipei, Taiwan, and I felt it necessary to right a blog to my friends. More specifically, the value I place in the friendships that I have had the great fortune of forging in my life. It is impossible to think that any of my actions and/or decisions have been made in isolation of these people.

I want to thank all of my friends for being such a great source of inspiration in my life. Each person I have known has played an instrumental role in where I am. Certainly many, if not everyone, cherishes their closest friendships, so it is not as if I am reinventing the wheel. However, I do believe what I have in my relationships is beyond the norm.

In a state that isn’t the center of the universe for diversity (MN is 90% white, primarily Christian!), I have been fortunate enough to have friends from any walk of life, albeit race, religion, culture, or way of life. All of you have added invaluable perspectives and opinions, sometimes without even knowing what type of influence you have on me. I have learned about all of you and have related to you in a way that has helped me understand and evolve my own personal beliefs and perspectives.

Unfortunately, not all friendships last forever, at least not in their most intense state. Friendships are often transitional in nature. For example, think about all of those great friends you had in college that you swore you’d be “BFF’s” with. How many of them do you still talk to you daily/weekly? How many of them are loose contacts that you now speak with occasionally/monthly/yearly? It is true that most friendships tend to dissipate over time, but that isn’t to say that they haven’t provided meaning. Every person we meet and friendship we forge provides meaning to help us continually evolve and move through our life’s path. We never know when the lesson we have learned from someone will bear its fruits, but at some point, the truth will become clear to us.

Yes, I have now left Minneapolis. Yes, it is likely that I will not see many of you for years, perhaps ever again. I would be lying if I said I was sad about this, because I am not. Our paths crossed for a reason, and I feel great joy in knowing that. And if it is meant to be, we will certainly cross paths again.

I would not be what I am if not for all of you. ALL OF YOU. I want to say thank you. Thank you for all the influence you have had…for the lessons you have taught me…for helping me understand my path further.

Best regards to all-

Evan