Here To Stay.

Besides

the blood-related,

who 

have seen the

worst

of 

you?

*

Are they 

still sticking by

you

today?

If they are,

what

 impressive friends

you've got.

If they aren't,

you might not 

have met

extraordinary people

yet.

*

The greatest friends

are those who've 

seen the worst of you

yet

still believe in the

best of you.

Carol.

Since I was 17,

she's loved, believed and invested

in me;

readily and willingly 

gave,

shared

and

sacrificed

countless ways.

She

challenged

 my values,

refined 

my attitudes

and

molded 

my character -

many times at the 

expense 

of herself.

We used to speak about

how we must have been

long-lost sisters.

It's 

7 years

now.

Yah Lan.

She knew me

since I was

 14;

witnessed me 

walking out on 

a perfect love

and yet

 welcomed me home

when I returned.

She clothed me 

in fresh robes

and 

paved the way

for my 

new life.

It's been

10 years

now.

Clarice.

Since we were 

11,

we sang self-composed wacky songs

over the phone,

cracked up for hours

and

played wrestle at zebra-crossings,

we were 

the late-night wild girls

of neighbourhood playgrounds and petrol stations.

We pride ourselves

as the

'Zhang Sisters'

[I'm rightfully a Zhang, according to my ID.]

We hugged and sobbed our shoulders wet,

prayed for 

and

prayed with

one another.

It's been

 13 years 

now.

Elizabeth aka Lizzie.

From foes to friends

since we were 

18,

we shared 

dreams, tears and the dearest words.

We 

studied, squealed over silly things

and

visualized our future together.

it's been

6 years 

now.

Thank you,

Angels.

You are

heaven sent.

I wouldn't be here

without 

your 

love, grace and faithfulness.

Those who 
thank me
for being who I am
in their lives
should 
thank you
for making a difference
in mine.

*