A Friend for Life

lillianandjudyOriginally uploaded by lillianliu_515

While sorting through the old files, I came across this picture which was taken on Christmas day at Judy’s parents’ house in America. Suddenly, the memories of my life in the States came flooding back. Judy was also a graduate student at University of North Carolina. The first time we met was at the class, Educational Research. As a newcomer to the States, I couldn’t keep pace with the teacher in class. Luckily, Judy was sitting next to me. She was a great note taker, who could always scribble down what the teacher was saying. I was hesitant to borrow her notes since we didn’t know each other then. Aware of my hesitation, she asked me if I wanted to take her notes home, much to my surprise. I did and then struck up a friendship with her. Although we only took one class together, we met quite often in the library as Judy was working part time there. In the first few months when I was struggling to adjust myself to a brand new life, Judy’s company helped work off my homesickness and frustration.
The following years, Judy and I became roommates. We were living in an apartment off campus. That small, cozy place was my home away from home. After school or work, it was a ritual for both of us to sit on the couch, talking about our days. Then, miraculously, all our sorrows would be shaken off; only laughter and care were left in mind.
I last saw Judy in the year of 2005 when I went back to visit. She was married, with a little girl. We had so many sweet memories to reminisce about that we could sit on the couch and talk for hours. I was blessed to have known her, who has taught me what friends are for.