Friends

In each of our lives, there's a group of special people who are constantly by our sides. They may come and go, with this group changing at different points along the way, but when they're around, they're always there for us - laughing with us (and at us, sometimes), feeling thrilled for us when we're happy, generously offering their shoulders to us when we need that nice, comfortable space to cry on, forever with two ears open to listen attentively to whatever we have to say, whether it be the lamest jokes, the most inane questions, the troubles and sadness that we hide in our hearts, or our greatest joys that we can't wait to share. And when they do leave, they leave behind all the memories they've created together with us, an unforgettable scent, a set of unique footprints, a sense of something only one word can really express - a sense of something...special.

These people are none other than our friends.

The definition of 'friends' really is very large, ranging from mere acquaintances to best buds, but it's precisely with this huge variety, that we see what a profound impact every single person we meet, no matter how unimportant or how small a role he or she may seem to have played, has on our lives. In particular, it's that tight group of close friends that can have such amazing effects on our everyday lives, and it's them who are always with us, behind us, beside us.

You know, one of the interesting things about friends is how they tiptoe so silently into our lives as just another person we meet, nod and smile at, then just as quietly, without any warning whatsoever, they slip into the role of companion, listener, comforter, offerer of advice, pillar of strength and support, supplier of laughs and numerous conversation topics, and most importantly (also most amazingly), is how so easily, they slip into the role of a good friend. And I guess it's right about then that we see how God's infinite grace has allowed us to meet these wonderful people and develop a beautiful thing known as friendship together with them.

I don't really recall how I came to be good friends with the current group, considering how our main relation is being in the same Secondary One class, and in the Secondary One trip to Malacca, my partner in the bus was the garbage bag (at least that meant I had lots of people calling my name...then passing me little wads of waste paper). But that's just what's so special about the whole thing; it's like everything just fell into place, according to plan, and poof! It's a bunch of new friends (no, not a bowl of Coco Crunch). And yet so soon, these new friends are no longer new; now they're an integral part of my life, and more importantly, a part of me. In so many different ways, they've impacted me, affected me (good and bad, no doubt, but that's the way it is with friends) and overall, made me a better person.

Friends are such amazing people and friendship is truly a special thing. So thanks to all you guys, my friends (that's everyone who reads this!). I may not always say it (though it would be a nice, refreshing change, imagine going around daily, thanking people for being your friend), but I'm really grateful for everything you've said and done, and I'll do all I can to retain those precious memories of our good times together. Oh, and in addition, I know I may not reply to all the much appreciated comments, but I do read them, all of them, no matter whether it's one word, or three whole paragraphs, and I just want to say thanks for each and every one of them!

Finally, if your eyes are running across these words right now, that'd mean you're my friend, and so I thank you...for just being you - that amazing friend I've always wanted, the one that I now have, and will always treasure. Forever and ever.

(: