Sarah,

First and foremost, happy birthday (a few days late)! I hope this article provides you with some insight, no matter how minimal, into just how much I adore you.

I brainstormed a few different ideas for this piece and with every path I went down, I struggled with how to put such a brilliant, life-defining friendship into words. I could tell the story of how we met, though it isn't that interesting. I could talk about one of the numerous times you've been there to support me, care for me, or give me advice, but these things- they'd only be relevant to me. That's not what I want to accomplish here. Instead, I want to discuss what you give to everyone because let's face it, you're not just an average person; you shine. I want to talk about, not only why you're my best friend, but why you're a phenomenal friend to so many people. I want others' to read this and recognize you and all that you have accomplished. I hope you feel proud. I know I do.

All my love,

Cails

To everyone else,

Here are just a few of the many things you get the pleasure of having just because you're friends with Sarah:

1. A pick-me-up

Sarah's laugh is something indescribable, and yes, it serves as my daily pick-me-up. If you're anything like me, you have quite a few videos saved on your phone of said laughter and you listen to it when you're feeling down. I recognize how bizarre that sounds, but seriously, I know so many people who do this. I have an album on my phone called 'Sarah laughing.' This is a real thing.

Sarah, you do not understand how much joy you bring to others simply by being you. Your voice is one people play over in their heads. Your words resonate with others. And your laugh, well, it's contagious and incredible and just about my favorite thing in the world.

2. A person to do anything and everything with (all the time)

I feel this most strongly in the summer, when we are only a short drive away. I take a nap and wake up to your name on my screen. I hop in the shower and step out to a missed call. You are always there and ready to hang out. I appreciate that far more than you know.

3. The knowledge of what pure kindness and selflessnes should look like

You give and give and give and every time I think you're going to run out of stuff to give, you surprise me. You are constantly there for everyone. Your utter selflessness is rare and pure. Your kindness is something not everyone gets to experience. Your patience is something I, for one, cannot truly understand. You have taught me what it means to be a good friend and arguably more importantly, a good person. For that, I am eternally grateful.

4. A support system

Unfortunately, not everyone has someone to go to no matter what. I'm lucky enough to have an open and honest relationship with my family and most of my friends, but this is rare, especially at our age. And even so, I certainly have a tons of friends I wouldn't be able to talk to about just anything.

Sarah is not one of these people. She is a supporter, despite anything going on. She is always there. And that brings me to number 5:

5. A pair of open ears and open arms

Sarah welcomes every thought I've ever had, every mistake I've ever made, every problem I've ever tangled myself up in with open ears and open arms.

Sarah, not everyone is like this. Some would distance themselves from others, yet you have never walked away from me. Even when it feels like everyone has abandoned me, you have always been my beacon of light- my hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. You have reminded me, day in and day out, that I am not alone. That no matter how far away we are, I always have someone in my corner, rooting for me. Thank you for that.

6. An example of hard work and dedication

...and what that can do for you. You are incredibly responsible- something I can not yet say for myself. Obviously we work together, so I get to see this more first hand than many of your other friends, but I'm sure, in general, this does not go unnoticed. You are constantly taking on more responsibilities, more jobs, and more projects, yet you never complain. You are endlessly dedicated to your work and that is incredible to me. This doesn't only apply to your school work and part time jobs, but also extends to the future of your career. You are going to be a tremendous teacher someday. You were made to teach and that speaks a lot to your character. Not only is that a difficult job, but unfortunately, it is often a thankless job as well. Yet, you have dedicated your time to it anyways. I love that about you.

7. An inspiration

because after all, your motto is 'don't forget to smile,' and you are the reason for so many smiles. You aren't only someone I look up to, you're a person that inspires so many, everyday, and you will continue to inspire for the duration of your life. Thank you for everything you have taught me. Thank you for continuing to welcome me and all my craziness with open arms. Thank you for being a friend to everyone, always. You are incredible. You are inspirational. You are more than you recognize yourself to be.

With all my love and all my heart, thank you and happy birthday. xo.