Happy birthday, Chie!

I've heard it said
that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them -- and we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you




Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good



So much of me is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend



Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

--excerpts from the song "For Good"




Sorry, Chie. Had to plunder some pics from your multiply site. Wasn't able to scan our pics in Singapore eh. Sowi. Then again, it's the thought that counts, right?

A happy, lovely, nothing-short-of-amazing birthday, to you -- my one-women-pep-squad-slash-bestest friend-slash-shrink-slash-sister whom destiny forgot to give me. Love you with all my heart.