For My Dear Senior...

This is for a friend.

She is a wonderful and lovely person, whom I've known for more than 10 years. Our friendship has evolved several times, from a bossy section leader whom I tried to bully back, to being the elder sister of one of my favourite juniors, to a friend whom I made sure to call on whenever I came back Singapore, to a near and dear senior whom we share moments of refreshing friendship and care...

Till today, have always referred to her affectionately as "My Dear Senior". Only 6 months older, but infinitely wiser than me. Perhaps her sharing the same birthday as my mum contributed to that perception. Like a slow 30s light jazz song, I always feel calm and relaxed in her presence.

She is kind and caring, frequently able to sense the emotions and thoughts of others, and knowing when to approach, and when to hold back. She's also sweet, saccharine even, like a gentle doe, softly grazing in the forest and leaving no marks wherever she may tread.

Yet she possesses a hidden steel of determination that glints bright for her passions. She inspires, and carries others along. Among others, her passion for scrabble, running, are more than just a passing interest, but a natural force of energy that draws in others in her wake.

Though she is as affected by worldly emotions as others, in moments of personal pain, she holds it in, revealing nothing but a stoic impasse. Her wall of control, she only allows entry to close ones. Can well imagine her saying, "Well, it's disappointing, but everything in its stride..." and start smiling.

I count myself lucky to know her, a person to share my thoughts with, a senior to look up to, and, as the years pass, a constant, consistent lighthouse to get my bearings in the choppy waves of life...

Happy Birthday, My Dear Senior
Here's wishing you many years of continued passion
and decades more of our friendship