07 August 2025

All I can say is WOW! 🤩

On 07 August 2016 (9 years ago), I prayed for a close friend, the kind of friend I had when my BFF Ella was here in Macau. When she left for good to the USA, I felt alone. I am the type of person who doesn’t want to go outside after a long, tiring duty. I am a mix of introvert and extrovert. After work, if there is no event at church, I go directly home. For me, that is my safest place.

Then one night, I had a dream. God told me to talk to you. I asked, "Why?" God said, "She is the friend you are asking for." Then Sunday came. I asked one of the staff who you were, and they told me you were one of the tenth makers in Macau.

I remember I talked to you with very few words. Then I asked if you had time to go out because I wanted to tell you what God had instructed me. To make a long story short, we had a long chat over lunch at SKY21. That was the start of our friendship. God knows exactly what I need even in friendship. He is very intentional with every person He places in my life. 

2016 was the beginning of my health journey. I underwent a bilateral thyroidectomy due to cancer. I remember there was a kids' camp at Hacsa Beach. They were all wearing camouflage clothes, and I attended that event. I wasn't feeling well, so I just sat down and watched you all playing. 2016 was like a rollercoaster of friendship with you. We fought a lot and argued. We are totally different individuals. But at the end of the day, it is God who prevails. We would end our day with the words, “Sorry, my bad,” and then we would pray to God.

In 2017, you told me God instructed you to take care of us. You asked if it was okay for you to come to our house, but not to stay. I said I already had Ate Cel; it was okay, no worries. But you insisted because that was God's instruction to you. However, 2017 was the start of my craziest year. In July 2017, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy due to breast cancer. I told you I wouldn’t allow you to take care of me because you are single and I would be going through chemotherapy. I wanted to protect your well-being, as being near me could be quite dangerous for you as a single individual. You said it was okay; you knew God would shield and protect you. That was the start of our health journey together as best friends and part of our family.

A friend who becomes family is something truly extraordinary. You are one of the remarkable individuals who entered our lives and left an incredible mark upon our hearts.

Friends who become family are more than just companions. You see past our flaws and love us unconditionally for who we are. You are always there to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and a comforting presence during both our triumphs and difficulties.

Thank you, best friend Mary, for this special friendship. Thank you for the laughter-filled adventures. Thank you for your company. Thank you for spending time with me during my chemotherapy days. Up until now, you are there for us and for me.

To my travel buddy, my elevator selfie buddy, badminton buddy, 30-minute walk buddy, and my forever buddy—thank you so, so much.

Cheers to more years of friendship and more family trips and vacations together!