How wonderful for you that you have found a person who accepts you for who are and enjoys your company. You are fortunate to have someone like that in your life. To have a best friend that you love and respect is unusual. However, you didn't post a question, so is there a question in here somewhere?

I don't know what you want us to post to your statement other than to congratulate you on having such a terrific person in your life.

OK... now we're cooking! What's the vibe that you get from her? Does she seem to be really touchy, feely? Does she hug you? Has she ever kissed you, even on the cheek? Has she ever held your hand or found a reason to touch you? Those are the cues that can let you know that she feels a bit more than just platonic friendship for you. She will let you know how she feels about you if she wants something more than friendship.

Maybe you can just ask her out and see how she responds. She is your friend. She obviously cares about you. Keep it simple and uncomplicated. Ask her to a movie. Even if she's not interested as a girlfriend, she will still go places and do things with you because she likes you.

My advice would be to keep the friendship, because that's a given. Friendships last and relationships don't always work. There's no guarantee that this will turn out the way that you want it to, so don't get mad if she doesn't feel the same way. Even if she doesn't want to be boyfriend/girlfriend, you do have a very special friend who thinks the world of you, and considering all that you have been through, you are lucky to have someone like that to stand by you.