I first met Nikki in my very first chemistry class during my sophomore year of college. Over the next 2 and a half years she would become that best friend every girl needs.

Together we have cried over chemistry, laughed at food science lab mishaps, supported each other through break-ups, make-ups and new beginnings, all while finding our feet in the post-college world.

No matter what time of day it is, I know she will always be there and that hasn’t been more truer lately. Whether it’s 12am, 2am or 6.30am she will always answer. She knows what to say at the right times and when to just be an ear on the other end.

I love that we can be so silly together, yet so sophisticated. We can sit in silence or talk for hours. Even now that we live in separate cities, it still feels like we haven’t missed a beat when we get to see each other, we can pick right up from where we left off.

Nikki, thank you for being that one best friend that every girl needs!

 Though miles may lay between us, we are never far apart. For friendship doesn’t count miles, it is measured by the heart.

Thank you for being my best friend and my Mum, but knowing how to separate the two.

Thank you for having the instinct to know when I really need a phone call, even when we are 12196.5 kms apart.

Thank you for proving that a lady can be both elegant and goofy, and that the two can be pulled off at the same time.

Thank you for raising me up to send me into the world, for allowing me to spread my wings all while knowing the nest will always be there. 

Thank you for teaching me to be strong, for showing me the true depths of a mother’s unconditional love.

Thank you for the memories, the moments of childhood. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mum. I love you!

Over the last couple of weeks my life has taken a major unexpected turn which at times has left me forcing a smile to hide the tears. However, each day I see patients who have it so much worse than I do and yet they still manage to laugh their way through pain.

Last week I was called back into the examining room to teach a young patient how to say “G’day Mate”. She laughed, I laughed. She then went on to Google Aussie slang while receiving her chemotherapy treatment. She laughed some more.

This week another young patient laid on the table with his shirt pulled up over his head to hide his face, wiggling and dancing to the LMFAO song “I’m sexy and I know it” while the nurse accessed his port. We all laughed.

How can I not stay positive when I see these kids, their bright spirits shining through all their pain? It’s impossible not to.

In an environment that could be perceived as anything but happy, I’m so thankful that I get to experience their laughter, their contagious giggles that are impossible to avoid.

“Let your laughter sparkle like sunshine”