Marked by Today's Date.

Still here, always there...

NB: This article was not published in real time.

I found a message in my inbox that read:

“I found some things in memories marked with today’s date.”

I paused, curious. Moments later, another message followed:

“You might not wanna see them.”

But by then, curiosity had taken the wheel. Since the conversation had already begun, I figured, why not see it through? So, I said, “Send, I’ll like to see them.”

And there it was, fragments of moments and images that instantly took me back to someone dear to me.

My first friend outside the familiar walls of what I once called "normal."

A friend I truly believed was sent by God,

though you often insist I'm the one God sent.

If my life were a story, the chapter where we met would be titled something like “Redefined or Becoming”

Because that’s exactly what happened.

Through you, I learned to embrace purpose.

You challenged me to dream, to grow, and to realize that this life, my life, was mine to live, according to God’s unique blueprint for me.

I was young and in a space where my world was shaped and limited by what others thought I could handle based on my inborn circumstance.

But you? You pulled me out of that box.
You became the turning point, my symbol of change. An angel in human form?

I watched you chase every dream you ever spoke of
slowly, steadily, and with unwavering resolve
and somehow, you always made it happen.

You were living proof that transformation can arrive quietly,
wrapped in the gift of friendship.

It’s been nearly a decade since our paths crossed.

We’re still here, friends who’ve weathered many changes, many tests.

And for that, I’m grateful.

Thank you for sending that first text, the one that started it all.

Thank you for always looking out for me.

For the kind words, the check-ins, the presence, even when it’s inconvenient.

Even now, when you’ve been annoyingly stubborn (yes, I said it), you’re still here, always there.

I have so many things to say, saying too much would give this piece away,

But I hope one day you read this and know, without a doubt, that it’s about you.

Though knowing you, I might just find you in my DMs soon enough. Lol!

So beyond the banter, the chaos, the everything,

Thank you for coming into my life.

And thank you, always, for being a sweetheart, my dear friend. 🌹