He had a lot of acquaintances and a few very close friends. No matter what changes happened in his life or theirs, he kept in touch with them over the years, through visits, phone calls, letters and emails. With one he shared memories of college days, with another notes about one of his passions, astrology. As one of his friends, who had known him from 1941 said recently, "You couldn't find anyone so loyal to his friends. Once you became his friend, you stayed his friend throughout your life. In all the time I've known him, I've never seen him gossip or speak ill of anyone." His friends stood by him through all the trials in his life. When my mother was sick and he had to take her for treatment, his friends stepped in graciously and cared for us, his children. He never forgot a good turn anyone did him. He often reminded me, in the frank way he had of putting things, "Never live a "kaikottinte janmam," ( a Malayalam phrase that means a life of taking from others but never giving back.) Never forget where you came from and who made you what you are." In today's world of instant, fleeting relationships, he and his friends, who quietly maintained their bonds for over 70 years, teach us what truly matters in the long run.