Inspire Me: Alyssa Marie

"A sister is both your mirror - and your opposite."

My friend of 14 years and continuing to grow stronger with every new year. My complete mirror yet total opposite at the same time. Strong, crazy yet beautiful defines this woman of a mere 23 years old. We've seen every day and night together, been through every hardship and tear of life. Whether difficult or riding on a high, we're there for one another. We've fought but only because we care about the other and never one to take grudge into the future. Without her, I am nothing. With her, she completes my life and personality.

This little, petite ball of fire and spunk will get any conversation rolling. She'll fight for what's right and have your back against the most terrible of situations. Loyal to the bind, Alyssa trusts and holds your security with her heart. She might come off as strong-headed or overwhelming, but it's who she is...she just needs the moment to gain your own trust and honesty, and you'll never look back again. She never wants to make a person feel uncomfortable or out of place (unless of course she doesn't like you, you'll know). I wouldn't be where I am in life without her. She's given me strength and love and courage beyond belief and beyond any other person closest to me. I love her as a sister and know I can run to her in need. I'm there for her just as she is with me. We're a bond, a connection, not one without the other.

Time has only brought us closer as it should. And time will carry our friendship and relationship throughout the years, making us older, wiser and fonder of the other. She'll be there til the end, and it's a comforting promise I know I'll always have deep within. A strong fighter but gentle lover. Hilarity to fill a room and memory but also sincerity to last over the harshest of waves. I can depend on her just as she knows she has my trust and backing. I've never had someone like Alyssa Marie to provide more laughter and love from two years ago all the way back to childhood. She faces life with a smile and willing personality, ready to attack and ready to learn and grow. There's such an air of havoc yet calm only she can create. Fun-loving and strong desire of life like no other. I've seen it over the span of many years.

It's impossible to truly define our friendship or just how many ways she inspires me, but it's true. It's honest. It's real. She's real. She's a real friend and sister. Her half inspires my half I lack. I can't imagine my life without the darling piece to my timid side. She's a rarity in Asian form and a rarity to myself. I love her as my sister and appreciate her more than words could possibly capture. Alyssa Marie, the crazy yet wonderful woman I am so fond of. Thank you.

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Inspire Me: Jillian

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." (Christopher Robin to Pooh Bear)

-A.A. Milne

She won't always be composed and strong-minded. She won't always be the one to say, "I can, and I know I can." She won't always have a smile on her face. But she's only human. I can tell you what she is though, what I know she is and always will be.

Her innocent expression leads to the gentle touch and gentle heart surrounding her aura. Give her a minute of your time, and she'll capture your heart completely. She picks you up and gives you the essence of personality; she gives you the boost in your day, the sunshine on a cloudy day. She's been there through the darkest of days and brightest of memories for me. I can hardly recap a moment the past four years she hasn't been a part of. Engraved forever in me and in my life, Jillian gives me more than I could ever thank her for. She's gracious and beautiful inside and out. Unlock her emotions, and she won't stop spilling, but in a good way. In a way you're able to relate to her and a way she continues to capture the heart with. It's sincerity in its purest form.

She's been through her days. She's experienced and well-versed in life. Hope in a bottle to my life. Hope in others. Always hope for a new day to touch her skin. Provide a challenge, and she won't back down until it's accomplished. Her stunning looks aren't just for show; she's a model of character and a rarity in all ways. Catch her if you can because she will not settle for ordinary. She is simply not ordinary.

My rock in times of need. My friend by my side. My confidant in days I am not. My trust and honor. My girlfriend and honesty. Wrong her and you wrong me. I can't help but admire her. She befriended me without question and has always given without doubt. We've become sisters embodied in each other's souls. An inspiration to my life and strength.

I've met a person who might not always be it, but is so much stronger than me in so many ways and manners. I can't always accept the uncontrollable things, no one can. I can't always handle them in ways I know how, but she does. She might not understand always, might not always be strong for herself, but it's something she'll never fully recognize in herself because she is. She is strong, willing and determined. Stronger by days and words. Stronger in soul than I. Admiration to cover her head to toe because she means that much to me, because I mean that much to her. Don't let her down because she might tumble. But catch her and she'll be grateful.

Jillian, a best friend, a strong heart, a strong soul. Give yourself that knowledge and give yourself that notion because I see it in you...let yourself grow...let yourself continue to strengthen and love...let yourself go and hope for new days.

"Somewhere over the rainbow way up high, and the dreams that you dreamed of once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly, and the dreams you dreamed of. Dreams really do come true. Someday I'll wish upon a star, wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where trouble melts like lemon drops high above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me. Oh somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly, and the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I?"

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