WHAT A MIRACULOUS FRIEND YOU HAVE BEEN

By Lalin De Silva
There is a miracle called Friendship that dwells within the heart and you do not know how it happens or when it even starts. But the happiness it brings to you always gives a special lift and you realise that friendship is God’s most precious gift.
January 4th is the 77th Birth Anniversary of my miracle friend late Kenneth, he was born on this day in 1948. He had his primary education at St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa and he had his secondary education at Stafford College, Colombo. We were classmates when he was in St. Sebastian’s.
It is a pleasure for me to write a few lines about him on this occasion, who was a long-time friend of mine. Kenneth was a friend who shows his love in times of trouble, not just in times of happiness. He proved his true relationship isn’t measured by just capabilities alone, but rather his company. 

He showed that time, power and money may not always be on one side, but good nature, understanding, true spirit and a spiritual path will always go together in life. Friendship means understanding, not agreement. It means that memories last. Almost every memory we shared is as fresh as the day it happened. Memories fade over time but my friend is not a memory, he is a part of me.
May our grief be replaced by cherished memories that will never fade away. They will always remain close in our hearts forever. No matter how time passes, the memories shared between me and you will never fade away and the memory becomes a treasure no one can steal.
I thank you for the time we had together and all you shared with me. You may have left us far too early but your loving presence will endure forever in our hearts. We will keep the memory of you alive by cherishing the moments we spent together and remembering your legacy. May your spirit live on forever in our hearts.
Rest in peace my miracle friend. You are gone but never forgotten. A true friend is never truly gone. Their spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved them. There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will be in our hearts.
We pray, dear lord, our friend who died far away, let us remember that you are always with us. Lord bless our friend’s precious soul and have mercy on him, keep my miracle friend Kenneth in your shadow until we see him again in heaven in the Holy Name of Jesus.