You've always been the strong one--from our high school days, to our years in college, and even after that. I remember how you would always remind me then that things will be alright. Things will work out, you said, despite our differences and amidst the challenges. I believed you.
I believed you until the time came when, after around four years, we decided that it was time for us to grow individually. Yet despite being apart, you continued to push me to become stronger. You may not know it back then, but you helped me see life in a different perspective. You made me realize that there is so much more to be thankful for. We continued on as good friends, and since then, I would like to believe that my spirit became a bit tougher with your invisible force.
Now, more or less four years after, I cannot believe that I would still grow in strength because of you. Your current circumstance is something that I still cannot fully accept, something I wish was just a bad dream, but I cannot allow myself to be weak right now. For you and because of you, I am stronger. Stronger than ever. There is no giving up, because we are not giving up on you. We all firmly, constantly and unrelentingly believe that things will be alright eventually, so hang in there for you will be fine. You will be fine, okay? You will be fine.
I will always remember that small smile you gave and the three-second laughter that ran through your face in between hours of pain as you tried to blow the make-shift candle on your birthday cake. Soon, there'll be more of the former and less of the latter, I know it. Until then, let our endless prayers keep your spirit up and our unwavering faith remind you to keep on fighting.
