ONE

It was definitely a toss up for the number one slot, the two possible options have been an integral part of my life since it began. I finally decided to pick my number one based on the fact I would not be here today if it were not for her. Funny thing is, we never expected to enter each other lives especially during such a hectic time as writing a master's thesis and planning a trip of a lifetime to see the World Expo.

I'm sorry the World Expo didn't end up working out because of me, but who knows maybe we can do Shanghai in 2010. This time the only thing that may cause nausea for you may be the interesting assortment of food available. I'm sure that was only one of many dreams you had that you put on hold for me. I don't really understand why, especially since our relationship seems to be quite unbalanced. For the past 21 years there has definitely been a lot more giving by you than by me. Perhaps one day when I have my own bundle of joy I will be able to understand you better.

My memories of you are quite vague for most of the beginning of our relationship, but the scrapbooks you have lovingly put together give me glimpse of what was. I do remember many nights in your bed talking until I fell asleep, and somehow every morning I would wake up in my own bed. You taught me how to listen by listening to everything I've had to say, from my baby babble to my frustrations towards growing up.

Your love for people was shown through and through when you would go above and beyond what was expected of you. Sometimes that frustrated me when I would want to go home early, but you would want to stay late so you could see all your patients. I only wish I could be so generous with my time. It's not that you never encouraged me to be giving like that, but it doesn't seem to come so naturally to me...

Most of all your love for God, and hearing the stories of how you've changed are truly a blessing for me. I can't even fathom many of the hardships you went through at an early age, and you seem to have come out of it such a strong person. Your faith has encouraged me and your prayers have sustained me. I can't imagine my life without you in it.