Today, I’m grateful for a meaningful get-together with my Catholic friends from NUS. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, a quiet anchor that reminds me of where I’ve come from and the people who have walked alongside me through my university years and beyond. We have been friends since 1994, our first year in university. Time has passed, yet everyone remains the same at heart, familiar faces carrying the spirit of who we were at 19.
It was especially heartwarming to meet Sister Sabine again, one of the spiritual directors at the university back then. She is 92 this year, yet still spritely, sharp, and fully present. Listening to her speak, observing her clarity and gentle humour, I felt deeply moved. Her presence alone is a reminder that a life lived with purpose, faith, and service leaves a lasting grace.
Catching up with friends who knew me during my formative years felt grounding. We talked about life, work, families, and the passage of time. Their children are now teenagers and young adults, stepping into their own journeys. Seeing everyone settled, content, and finding their own rhythms in life brought a quiet joy to my heart.
There was also a sobering moment. I learnt that the sister of one of my friends has been battling cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. The relief came in hearing that she is responding well and slowly recovering. It was a humbling reminder of how fragile health can be, and how courage often shows up quietly, day by day.
As I listened, I became acutely aware of my own state. I am still recovering from a cold, feeling tired and slightly uncomfortable. Yet in that moment, it felt so small. A cold is nothing compared to what others endure with resilience and grace. It shifted my perspective instantly.
I left the gathering feeling grateful. Grateful for friendships that endure across decades, for mentors who age with dignity, for conversations that nourish the soul, and for health, even when it is imperfect. Most of all, grateful for the reminder to hold life gently, to stay compassionate, and to never take well-being for granted.
Today was a blessing to see old friends well, healthy and happy.
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