Annual Reunion of the Friends of Santa Comba: A Journey of Resilience and Success

On the third Sunday of July, a group of childhood friends from Santa Comba, Cela, Angola, gathers at the picnic park in Mogofores, Anadia, Portugal. This annual gathering is a celebration of our friendship and our achievements, realized through struggle and perseverance since Angola’s Independence.

We are a group of Cold War survivors. Each of us had to rebuild our lives from scratch. Yet, despite the adversities, we became doctors, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and many other successful professionals. Our success stands not only as proof of our tenacity but also of the education and values we received during our formative years in Santa Comba.

Recalling those times is to relive an era of simplicity and unity, where difficulties only strengthened our bonds. At school, we learned more than just the curriculum; we learned the value of friendship, resilience, and determination. These principles became the pillars that supported us through the toughest phases of our lives.

Each reunion is a moment of joy and reflection. We revive stories, laugh at our past adventures, and share the victories we’ve achieved over the years. This year will be no different. It will be an occasion to honor our efforts and celebrate our accomplishments, always with gratitude and respect for one another.

Our journey wasn’t easy. Many of us left Angola with few possessions but carrying a rich heritage of courage and hope. With each reunion, we reaffirm our commitment to friendship and celebrate the indomitable spirit that unites us. This article is a tribute to all of you, my dear friends, who inspire and motivate me to keep overcoming challenges.

Sonnet in the Style of Os Lusíadas

In Mogofores, in fields that bring us near,
A reunion of souls, a life reborn,
From Angola we left, in a new dawn,
In distant lands, our strength as guides appear.

Memories of a time, struggles held dear,
Eternal friendship, bonds that will not be torn,
Stories of sorrow, courage not forlorn,
Achievements gained, dreams to fulfill so clear.

On marked faces, traces of battles fought,
In eyes, the flame of a passionate light,
In hands, the sweat of those who fail us not.

We are warriors of heart and devotion,
Bound by time, a current ever bright,
We lift our lives high with deep emotion.