To my dearest Tammy,
- I remember how your mood can change from a giggly girl to a crying one on our Hongkong trip coz you wanted to buy a lip gloss and we didn't allow you on our first store visit.:)
- I remember how I had to hold your hand for support when I saw my former crush in SM Starbucks and you calmly told me, "Just relax Tita."
- I remember how you wanted us to hold hands while we stroll along the mall and your mum said how can Tita Mitch find a guy if they see me with a little girl tagging along with me and you did not care what people may think.:)
- I remember how we spent time perusing make-up kit and nail polish and the giddiness we get from it.
- I remember how you dreamt of studying in New York when you grow up. At a young age, you already know what you want and what your dreams are.
- I remember how you always tinker on my phone and when I reach home, I see your photo-selfies stored.
- I remember our Starbucks dates, just you and me and Kakay... like I was with people close my age. We never ran out of stories to tell.
- I remember all our Asian trips, Boracay getaways and hotel staycations with fondness and gratitude.
- I remember how generous you were with your hugs and kisses at any given time.
- I remember how you asked me on Mamang's wake how I was feeling and how worried you were for me, and I was the one on your thoughts when you found out Mamang passed away. You quietly sat beside me and stayed with me on that long bench. Your silence and company meant sooo much.You were the only one who had the courage to ask me that. Maybe you knew that Tita, despite the strength and tenacity I possess, was at that time crumbling and shaking inside.
- I remember your message for me that you worry about me and pray for me during the peak of pandemic as I was caring for my patients.
- I remember how you share with me your passion for reading and the two of us kinda now have a "bookclub" thing of our own.
- I remember how when you were just a school- aged girl and you declared we are the best of friends. We will always be, darling.
- I remember our Palm Spring day-out on December 2019 when you saw snow for the first time and bonded with Kadie and Mykee. That was a fun day for all of us.
- I remember when you were probably around only 5 years old and you uttered, "Cheers to the world," while we toast our Starbucks drinks. And up to this day, I say that and my friends and patients here know that line too well now.
- I remember how now you say you want to be like me, independent and self- reliant. I am flattered, but my darling, I want you to embrace and savor the emotions of love and someday meet the man of your dreams at the right time.
- I remember all our memories and moments of togetherness, with all of our other family members.
Tita is now 44, and most likely you are taller than me. Time and distance has proven that it cannot change the love and bond we have for each other. You remain to be so sweet and thoughtful, even gets "kilig" with my IG posts. How it tickles my heart each time you message me with your affection and stories. When you say you miss me so much, how I wish I have Harry Potter's invisibility cloak so I can fly back there in PH to have a long chat with you while we drink our favorite Starbucks drinks in SM Pampanga.
Happy birthday, my dearest Tammy. Like what I told you, you are growing prettier and prettier each day. The beauty of that is your thoughtfulness and sweetness remain to flourish with the sincerity of gentleness of your heart. I wish you happiness and good health. Chase and pursue your dreams, overcome your fear and be the best version of you. Know that Tita will always be your loyal and fierce cheerleader every step of the way.
I love you very much. You are one of God's most precious gifts to me. Best friends forever, to the moon and back, infinity and beyond. We will see each other soon, be it in PH, Socal, or maybe New York???:) Receive my tight hugs and kisses to you.
Cheers to the world!!!:)
Love, Tita
Julia. Tammy. BFFs.
