And the one moment comes, when you realize that after the turbulent brevity of time, when the magic number sits at a whole fifteen.

What a surprise, what a life! And as the world whizzes by with a flourish and a whirl of responsibilities, illusions and brief moments of sobriety, I too am amazed at the very fact of our dogged persistence; the absolute non-existence of reticence and the almost unprecedented pairing of conviviality and gregariousness.

Perhaps the future might fade, and the lives we lead wind themselves to worlds apart, but I rest peaceful knowing the future will bring with it none but the same. Truly, I have no words to express this; and as the world passes by, with but a single ounce of care, I will have comfort with the knowledge of such a soul – out there, somewhere.

Though the heart wrenches, and adversities come knocking at the door in numbers beyond comprehension, it is my firm belief that it is you who will prevail. Not a single doubt crosses my mind, as rightfully none should cross yours.

‘Tis precious, and despite the silence of decades, perhaps the truth now lies precious as ever – a pearl unearthed from the scattered pages of the storied past. The truth might be that our paths may only cross in the days of future past, but will as I may, the world hinders not the resolute.

The time will come, again, and it will be just the same.

I am grateful.