English poet Joseph Parry, whose work often explored themes of friendship, life and the passage of time, is the author of a classic rhyme with a most familiar opening stanza. “Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other’s gold.” For those from my generation (think old), the words were often sung in school music programs, scouting circles, and Sunday school classes for decades.
Parry emphasized the worth of long-lasting friendships, which he considered “silver,” and the potential of new friendships, deemed “gold.” He felt that having both types is key to a fulfilling life.
For two young men who met through a high school exchange program, friendship could not be any better. In mid-September 2008, a young exchange student named Lin, Bo Chien from Taiwan arrived in the U.S., only to find that his Washington, Ill. host family had backed out of the obligation. Students were asked whether anyone would be interested in hosting Lin, and one Galva High School student, Matt Pankau, asked his parents, Ron and Terri, to consider hosting him for a year. After a brief discussion, it was a resounding “Yes!”
So, Jordan (the American name he chose due to his idol, Michael Jordan) started as a sophomore at Galva High School. Matt, a junior, was able to keep an eye on him, as the school was small enough for frequent interaction. According to his host mother, Terri, it soon became apparent that Jordan knew little English.
“We knew the language barrier would create problems and were worried that he’d find any learning to be difficult.” She went on to say that through the combined efforts of teachers, students and his new family, the language slowly came together. “We learned very quickly that people are very much alike, no matter their culture.”
He showed great interest in sports, especially basketball – no doubt influenced by his championship idol. Host mother Terri noted that while he did not start any games, the coaches recognized his willingness and team player attitude and put him in play at the right moments.
“He had streetball smarts,” she said. “Although he couldn’t understand the plays being called, he could read offense and defense strategies and contribute to the team.” Fitting in with the students and teachers took him no time at all.
The Pankau family showed Jordan as much of the U.S. as they could. There were many trips to Chicago for Bulls and Cubs games, sightseeing and big city dining. A visit to Florida let him experience a very different climate.
While Jordan was able to enjoy his time in the states, Matt also benefited. The two became like brothers, and a sturdy friendship was formed. Matt, an only child, found he liked having a younger sibling. Jordan enjoyed having an older brother to look up to, one who helped him acclimate well to his new surroundings.
After a year, it was time for Jordan to return to Taiwan to finish his studies there. But the friendship did not end. The two stayed connected, and in 2017, Jordan flew back with his then fiancée, Tai. A year later, they both returned so that Jordan could be a groomsman for Matt when he married his fiancée, Jill.
Jordan, whose early efforts at basketball at Galva High, showed up later as he is in sales for the Wilson Sporting Company. Tai is a stay-at-home mom. Matt is the CEO of John H Best in Galva, where Jill heads their “Best Barn Solutions,” which makes saddle and bridle racks for the horse industry nationwide.
More flights to the U.S. and a little boy for each couple, Matt and Jordan spent last Christmas together at Matt and Jill’s Galva home. As a lasting tribute to his time with the Pankau family, Jordan named his son Ronnie after Matt’s dad, Ron, who died in 2022.
Even though Bobby, Matt’s son, and Ronnie came from opposite sides of the world, the toddlers quickly became playmates when they met for the first time last December.
“The next generation of friendship has been forged,” said Terri. “We are all so very lucky.”
If a scientific value can be applied to Mr. Parry’s poem, combining gold and silver creates a historically significant alloy called electrum.
Prized for its beauty and functional strength, it is the perfect description of Matt and Jordan’s friendship.
Mr. Parry’s words have changed a bit since he first penned them. A portion of his poem might make some readers sing along.
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Brows may wrinkle, hair grows gray,
Friendship never knows decay.
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
