Arnold Schwarzenegger has some helpful advice for his followers. Today, on what would have been the 84th birthday of his late best friend Franco Columbu, Schwarzenegger encouraged his followers to reach out to the people they love the most.
The post was shared on Instagram, including various photos of Schwarzenegger and Columbu over the years, including shots of the two practicing bodybuilding at different shows, and more recent ones, with the two playing chess.
"Today would have been my best friend Franco’s 84th birthday, so I want to push all of you to reach out to your friends and connect today. I tell people that when friends and family die, they aren’t gone. They’re like ships that sailed over the horizon. We can’t see them, but they’re still here," wrote Schwarzenegger.
"Franco is with me every day, even 6 years later. I hear him when I count my reps. I see him when I look at my chess table. And I feel him every time I laugh at something absurd," he continued.
"I want all of you to have that type of friendship and love in your lives. So today, reach out to your Franco for me."
More details about Schwarzenegger and Columbu's friendship
Schwarzenegger and Columbu were friends for decades, first meeting in Germany in the '60s, when they were rivals at different bodybuilding competitions. The two moved to America to pursue their careers.
“I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you," wrote Schwarzenegger shortly after Columbu's death.
Columbu was Schwarzenegger's best man at his wedding to Maria Shriver and was also the godfather of Schwarzenegger's daughter, Christina.
Schwarzenegger revealed that while he was devastated by his friend's death, he valued the 55 years of friendship that they had together.
“I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advice you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend.”