TO ABSENT FRIENDS... AND TO THOSE NOT ABSENT

To Nan, who will never more be by my side...

I beg her pardon for having offended her and thank her for teaching me.

To Mum, whom I always will love...

...now left an orphan. May she stand strong by me and vice versa.

To classmates, newly found kindred spirits...

...now that I seldom stand on my own.

To all of them, and to the rest of my loved ones...

may next year, though not bereft of sorrows,

prove one of the best in our lives.