They tell the tales of decades-long connectedness and celebrations of combined milestones.

But in April this year, Nate Wetini and Xavier Gollan – both aged seven – displayed a bond that can only be described as miraculous.

While Nate was lying unconscious in his hospital bed, a blonde-haired, raspy-voiced Xavier grabbed hold of his mate’s hand and said this: “I love you,” he said. 

“And I scored two tries for you.”

No one, for not even a minute, would have imagined Nate absorbing Xavier’s words.

But when Nate finally woke up, he repeated the sentiment uttered by his little friend.

He knew Xavier was there when his life was so very fragile.

Seeing Nate and Xavier together it’s quite easy to see their strong ­connection, there is an easiness only true friendship can project.

And, for that, they are lucky.

Nate’s mum even credits the young but robust friendship for helping in her son’s recovery.

That’s just how powerful this bond really is.

Make today a day to celebrate your friends because they are the ones who have seen you through it all.

The good, the bad and the ugly.

Call them, hug them, thank them – because friendship is a special kind of relationship.