Friendship is one of the greatest bonds anyone can ever wish for. Lucky are those who have friends they can trust. Friendship is a devoted relationship between two individuals. They both feel immense care and love for each other. Usually, a friendship is shared by two people who have similar interests and feelings.

Growing up there was one thing I always looked forward to, karaoke nights. Now that may sound odd or funny even, but those karaoke nights are the greatest memories I have of my family. I grew up in a family that loved and cared for me, but like any other we had our problems. Ours, like many, was that we were poor. I remember the sorrow and pain that plagued my parent’s heart and minds when they couldn’t make the rent or buy enough food, but on some nights a small miracle would happen. All that pain and sorrow would disappear and in its place, sweet melodies and laughter.

I still remember the moment when my parents first brought home the karaoke equipment; my mom had a small smile on her face and my dad was laughing. It was the first time ever, that I had seen them step foot through the door smiling or laughing. After hours of arguing and yelling, the karaoke was set up. My dad hands me the biggest disc I had ever seen and shows me how to play it. Then, like magic, notes, beats and singing drift from the speakers. This was the beginning of the karaoke nights.

Now, anyone who has ever karaoke before knows, that there are good singers and there are terrible singers, but there is also laughter and joy. To stand up there, or even watch as my sister, father, mother, or uncle try to sing remakes of eighties one hit wonders and folk songs, brings the greatest joy and freedom anyone could ever ask for.

It is in these moments that the music and laughter seem to dull everything around us, the worries of the rent, bills, and landlords knocking at the door, fades away. For a moment nothing is wrong and everything is right with the world. Though, once the music stops and the laughter die down, our problems comeback but, every night couldn’t be karaoke night.

For my family what has pulled us through and picked us up were those karaoke nights. I believe in singing till you roll in laughter, I believe in listening to others sing till you roll in laughter, and I believe in karaoke nights. When the world brings you down or it seems like its life versus you, try bleaching out a song, singing at the top of your lungs and laughing till it hurts and in that small moment everything is okay. I can promise that.