inspirations

there is a girl i have known since i was 6. she grew up to be slim and tall, ramrod straight with a head full of curls. with a voice like a tinkling bell, sweet and lilting... and a disposition to match. talented beyond imagination -- dance, song and sport in equal measure. not lacking in brains either, notching up degrees and accolades that make parents stand up proud. in short, a wonderful dream of a girl. but the best part of her is this... she never gets flustered. or if she does, it doesnt show. not a hint of anger ever and her smile doesnt leave her pretty oval face. she's like a breeze that walks into a room -- always cool and composed. poised with a capital p. everyone's fav niece and model child grew up without losing an ounce of that perfection.
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i met her at a bookstore and immediately knew we would be friends. warm, enterprising and smart with oodles of style and panache. her petite frame belies the strength and stamina with which she can scale steep mountainsides, not losing breath. shooting baskets better than guys and rattling off college football team names without batting an eyelid. if you want an engaging narrative, listen to her speak. she dresses up a house and keeps it looking like a museum with meticulous effort deftly hidden from the public. but the best part of her is this... she rises way above pettiness and opens up to let the world in. so confident and self-assured is she, she has a smile for everyone ("if you see someone who doesn't have a smile, give them one") and genuine love for her friends that she shows in beautiful ways they treasure forever.
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if i think of friends, i cannot not think of him. his energy invigorates you no matter how exhausted you are. and his passion for fun infuses whole groups of people. the life of parties and the most vocal guy around -- and one who loves his phone ;), you seek him out to make things happen. he comes from the lap of luxury but anyone more down-to-earth is impossible to find. sport comes to him naturally -- whether he thunders down the bowling alley or slams a forehand cross court. but what comes more naturally to him is niceness. this guy genuinely cares. the best part of him is this... even if he is down, out and broke, he'll stand up with a smile and make you feel special.
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all people i meet affect me in different ways and i always look to learn from the encounters. rising above pettiness, poise and calm in the face of cynicism or adversity, genuine affection, uncomrpomising fidelity to friends, an honest openness that makes you implicitly trust, making people feel special -- all these are qualities i cherish.

i hope someday i am to my friends the inspiration they have been...
and above all, i hope i never take them for granted.