Three wishes for Lydia.

Lydia and I have been friends for almost two decades now. We met in one search-in activity when we were still searching for our place under the sun, for the meaning of our existence. Eventually we both decided to answer the call of the cloistered life, and we both decided to leave when we found out that the meaning of life for us is not in the cloistered convent of the missionary sisters. Lydia went ahead of me for like one year, both in coming in and going out of the cloistered life.

After that chapter of our life, we found each other and we both mended our woundedness. She helped me picked up my broken pieces, and I did the same to her. Sometimes I slept over in the two houses they have, wherever Lydia was, and we talked our hearts out till the wee hours.

Practically, Lydia and I have seen each others highs and lows, sacrifices and joys in life. I was there when she first fell in love. I was glad I was the first one to know. Maybe because she knows that I would defend her; I would fight against anyone who would hurt her. And fight indeed I did for that unworthy person who broke her heart.

When I first fell in love, she was also the first one to know. And she exactly did what I did to protect her, too.

Now Lydia is in the States. She has been there for almost a decade now, but she has never forgotten me. Everytime a sister of her comes home, I can never be without chocolates and other stuff. The last time she sent me my first Anne Klein watch. She has convinced me for several times to go to the US to the extent of offering to spend for all the expenses, but I never had the courage. She is more courageous than I am indeed.

Lydia got married on March 5. I was surprised one day when I opened my inbox to see her message asking me of my current address. I asked her why and she joyfully told me that she's going to send me her church wedding invitation. I was touched by her gesture, and I am so happy for her. Finally she has found someone with whom she can spend the rest of her life.

Soon, Lydia will be celebrating her birthday. And for that occasion, I have three wishes for her:

1. A blissful married life. I know that with the man that she chose to marry, she will always be happy. Her husband loves her so dearly, and the last time that I spoke with her she sounded so ecstatic and so satisfied with her life now.

2. Good health for her and her hubby. I am wishing that they both live long and celebrate many anniversaries together.

3. Long-lasting friendship with her. She is one friend that anyone wants to keep for life. She's very encouraging and very inspiring. She is very gentle and tough at the same time; I know she has that inner strength that makes her a winner in all areas of her life.

I love you, Lyds! I am blessed to have a friend like you. May all your dreams come true.