I met Walid online almost ten years ago. Back in 2002, I didn't use to like him a lot...he'd usually challenge me on the chat to ponder on various political or ethical issues which would ...all end in tears! We didn't always agree, but as Voltaire said: "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it."
And that's what Walid did. He always respected my opinion and realised that I'm not on the Internet to talk anonymously or pretend. As a true friend he accepted me being blunt at times and he's always supported me in everything I did online. He's been always there - rain or shine.
Walid comes from Lebanon and is a very important person in his homeland. He is the kind of person who would never boast but who always cares for everyone - even though he may be going through rocky times, himself. He is also the kind of person who will always end a comment with this wonderful phrase: "God Bless"
Walid with Mr Haroun - the mayor of Beit Mery, Lebanon
In a world filled with dirt and filth, Walid has been my guardian angel online and my bright star. I would like to thank him for that from the bottom of my heart.
I had the pleasure to meet Walid online for a while and was very impressed by his personality.
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | November 17, 2011 at 08:06 AM
True friendship is so rare nowadays, especially online. And you are very lucky to have such a wonderful friend like Walid.
Posted by: Sophia | November 17, 2011 at 02:27 PM
I also believe that you are very lucky to have made great friends online. As far as I am concerned, I don't think I could really trust someone I meet online that I have never seen in real life. True friendship is rare in real life and it's even rarer online.
Posted by: Stefania | November 17, 2011 at 07:51 PM
I don't trust people online very easily, yet I have made a few great friends that I love and respect as if we had met in real life. You are one of them and I hope that we will meet up some day.
Posted by: Christina | November 17, 2011 at 08:57 PM
Taylor and I have known you for so many years and I'm glad this friendship goes on and on even though we don't see each other very often. I know how much you care for your friends and how much you support them unconditionally. This is a wonderful tribute to your friend Walid that hardly anyone would do online today in such a straightforward way.
Posted by: Andreas | November 17, 2011 at 09:11 PM
Indeed I am, Sophia. Walid is kind, caring and respectful. And, by the way, he is the greatest cook I've ever met online!
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Posted by: Anastasia | November 17, 2011 at 09:22 PM
Stefania, you've got a point, yet there are wonderful people online and I'm glad I have known quite a few.
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Posted by: Anastasia | November 17, 2011 at 09:30 PM
I'm sure we will!
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Posted by: Anastasia | November 17, 2011 at 09:31 PM
In the walks of life you will find several people. Some are there with you only for a momentary phase while others walk the path of life with you for a considerable distance. Friends come and go. But it requires true courage and spirit to be friends forever and to walk the journey of life till the end. As a Jewish saying goes- "Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure". But it is not easy to find this treasure. Only very fortunate ones succeed in achieving it. Once it is found, try your best not to loose it. An anonymous author very aptly described friends forever as- "Some people come into our lives and quickly."
Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. Just like Walid did on yours. And we are never, ever the same. A true friend is someone who understands you even without your having to explain anything- someone who understands you and cares for you. Great post!!!
If you feel a pain in your heart when you see a tear in your friend's eye, if your friend is happier than you to see you successful, then you must understand that you have found a friend forever. A true friend is someone with whom you do not have to make an effort to share your thoughts. The mental harmony between true friends comes naturally. If effort is at all required, then it is not true friendship. People might claim to be your true friends. Declarations are easy to make. But it's only the person who is your friend forever, who will stand with you through the thick and the thin.
Posted by: Jeff | November 17, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Our way of life will encounter a lot of people, some are only strangers, some are important in our lives has become a friend.
Posted by: Danaioq | November 18, 2011 at 03:16 AM
This is so true. I have a lot of acquaintances but only a few good friends.
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Posted by: Anastasia | November 18, 2011 at 08:26 AM
Unfortunately, you both love hunting! Regardless, I love you both!!! :-)
Posted by: Anastasia | November 18, 2011 at 11:12 PM
I've just realised that we've been friends for more than .... 30 years! I'm not hiding my age, anyway! :-) Filakia!! And a big hug to Taylor! I miss you both!
Posted by: Anastasia | November 18, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Jeff, to me true friendship is above all a question of trust. Walid is one of the few online friends I have who has trusted me unconditionally. True friends are in our thought spaces, they're our support system withouth which we'd be lost.
Posted by: Anastasia | November 18, 2011 at 11:37 PM
There was a time I laughed at people who believed in online friendship. I realised how wrong I was when I met you, Anastasia, as well as a few other people who have become in time great friends.
Posted by: Constantinos T. | November 19, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Για μένα η φιλία είναι ιερή!
Posted by: Olga P | November 19, 2011 at 01:58 PM