In Autumn 2023, my good friend came to visit me in the Czech Republic. For context, we met as fresh-faced first year students at Rhodes University. We were in the same residence – Victoria Mxenge to be exact – and our friendship blossomed over the 4 years when we lived there.

We have seen each other at our best and most certainly at our worst, bonding over steak-and-kidney pies, hubbly, nights out on the town and nights in working on assignments. A holistic friendship, as it were.

When she told me she planned on visiting, the timing couldn’t have been more kismet. I was in the depths of my self-discovery, questioning my decision of being done with what I knew, navigating the depths of my unknown. Her presence brought me a great sense of peace and reassurance. To have someone I could share my fears and uncertainties with, knowing they want the best for me, will be honest with me and also hold me up. It truly was incredibly special.

Our time together was filled with laughter, deep convos, (a lot of) food, fun and a familiarity that bred warmth and comfort for me. I am eternally grateful for friends who become family, and friendships that stand the test of time. As a 30-something year-old adult, it is not lost on me how hard cultivating deep friendships can be and what it takes to make them work. To have friends of many years is something I don’t take for granted and cherish deeply.

We decided to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and went to Pec Pod Snezkou in the Sumava Mountain Range of Czechia. The views – especially in Autumn – are breathtaking and were the tranquility I so desperately needed to reconvene with myself and my loved ones.

Here is to friendships that warm us up like sun rays peeking through a cloudy, Autumn day. Friendships that lift us up and hold us down. Friendships that lighten the load and ground us back to ourselves. Here’s to friendships that stand the test of time and, yet, are ever-changing in the most beautiful ways.

Friendships have saved me in so many ways. I pray for everyone – in their lifetime – to find friendships that fill up the deepest part of your soul.