Who among us has not been disappointed with a friend? Someone you gave your heart to and, at some point, has betrayed your trust or turned away?

Someone we expected all support but failed at the critical moment?

Any of these circumstances will hurt us and cause a break of trust.

For this reason the lesson of two boys is so striking.

They were born on the same day, month and year. One was Jewish. The other was German.

Nine years was their age. One was a native of Poland and lived in a house with several rooms above his father's watch-house.

One day everything was taken away and he saw himself as a prisoner. He was among thousands suffering from hunger. To wear, he had a strange striped pajamas with a cap in the same pattern.

The other was born in Berlin and lived in a big three-story house. He now lived in the country side and complained about the smaller house and lack of friends.

They met one day, one on each side of an endless wired fence. Bruno, the German boy, felt lonely and began to talk with the other boy.

Neither knew much of what was happening around them. But they became friends. They met every afternoon.

One day upon entering the house Bruno saw his friend in the striped pajamas polishing the crystals with his small fingers.

Bruno helped himself with a snack and offered one to his always hungry friend.

After just putting a piece of chicken in his mouth, an officer entered the kitchen. Seeing that the little prisoner was eating, he rudely inquired accusing him of stealing food.

Without any malice, the boy said his friend had offered him lunch.

But Bruno was so scared by the brutality of the officer and the inquiry that he was overcome by fear.

Terrified, he denied knowing the Polish kid, denied having given him food, which caused the Polish kid violent punishment.

Days passed when Bruno returned to the place where he used to meet his friend. There was sadness and many bruises on the prisoner face.

I apologize, said Bruno. I was very scared that day. You still want to be my friend?

And the bruised hand of the Jew extended to the outside of the fence. Bruno shook it.

It was the first time they touched each other. It was the touch of solid friendship that always forgives.

*   *   *

Friendship is an exercise of love. Friend's love is unparalleled. Jesus said in His time that a friend gives his life for his friend's life, thereby sanctifying this sublime feeling.

For that a friend forgives the weaknesses of his friend, forgives his faults and remains his friend.

Blessed are those that fill the soul with friendship, enriching it with peace and gratitude everywhere they pass by.