However, Kathy does not belong to my 'memory of friends' brain mode. Although, we do not see as much of each other now, we still keep in touch. She makes sure that I am still part of her life, and I love her for that. I might be so busy in my daily life and seems not noticing what's happening around me-but I do. It sticks in my other part of my brain-the 'observe' part of it. While I am in a hurry getting through everyday 'rigmarole', my 'observe' brain section is enlisting all the things around me; and this is one of those special list of memory that is so embedded there.

She is my true friend. Kathy and I went through a lot of changes. In a span of 11 years, we both learned to cope with so many changes- sadness, happiness, anger - you name the emotions, we'd gone through it all. We had some 'rough edges' as we've gone through it-but we made it possible that it would not be a hindrance to a growing friendship. We became each other's shelter during the worst period of our lives as the familiar people we knew are being 'pulled out' of our existence. We hung on to each other very closely because we might slip and get 'pulled out' too. Unfortunately, Kathy's 'grip' went loose and she slipped away from our 'secured touch' of each other. I cried so hard that day. I will never forget it for the rest of my life as it gave me 'vision' of being alone and no shelter to hang on anymore. The wonderful, secure 'hand' was not there. I was scared.

Of course, I realized, she just left the 'shelter' we were in but she never had left me. Without her knowing--she guided me to be a strong person--and in both our minds, we both let go of the fears.

Now, I see Kathy in a different light. She is a special friend that will always be there for me, no matter what. Now, we email each other--the net--made it possible for both of us to reach and touch and bond, even if we do not see each other everyday. We send e-cards to each other, she always visit my 'home' on the net and will always make sure to leave 'marks' there, so I will not forget that she is maybe out of sight--but never ever out of mind.

I treasure Kathy as my loving, loyal friend for life. I miss not seeing her everyday and our daily ritual chat-but I am at peace because her presence in my life is still very strong. I just have to introduce her to my private 'chatroom' so we can still have a 'gab fest' from time to time.

This tribute may sound like I am talking in riddles, well, I exactly want that effect. I really want Kathy to be the only one who can understand and read between the lines in my tribute to her. Should anyone get a chance to read this, please let it be known that TRUE FRIENDSHIP really do exist.

I love you, too, Kathy-very much-don't you ever forget that.