I can remember a time when everything in life was simple. When there were no payments, deadlines, worries about money or what your next meal was going to be. I remember a time when I was only concerned whether I should go play outside or stay in. I remember wondering if I should ride my bike to my friends' houses or roller-blade. I always had decisions to make, but as I have grown older, my decisions have started to make true impressions on my life rather than the silly choices I made when I was little. As life becomes more perplexed and concrete, I enjoy reflecting on my past. My favorite part about my past though, are the people that continue to reflect guidance on my decisions.
So here's to my childhood best friend, who helped me decide which Capri Sun to drink and now how much money I should ask my parents for this week:
I am proud of us. I mean, who knew we would come this far? I remember running around with you like it was yesterday. I remember first meeting you and knowing that no matter where we ended up when we were older, we would always stay best friends. I miss those times we went park-hopping to try out all the best swings in town. I remember when we outgrew parks and made our parents take us to the mall just to take pictures at the Apple Store. Oh how fun it was to match you and try to look our best just to shop. I remember when every week we made sure to see at least one movie, and it didn't matter if we didn't have a ride there because we always knew with each other, a bike ride miles away would be an adventure and not a punishment.
Growing up with you meant more than experiencing our first high school party together; it meant that I always had someone who I could count on, someone who always had my back in every situation. In high school, I always had you to make sure I got the best homecoming and prom dates, because you of course hand-selected them for me. I always had someone to walk beside me through the halls, even if that meant making laps just to make sure we caught a second glimpse of whoever we wanted to see. I always had someone to run to during passing period because I always had a new story about the class you weren't in with me. I always had a teammate, even if it was because we joined each other's favorite clubs and sports just to be with each other. Remember that one time I made you join the speech team because I was sure it was our calling? But after quickly realizing that meant a 6 am wake-up call on Saturday morning, we both ran for our lives.
We were each other's biggest fans, cheering each other on at competitions and State. Although our lives have taken us in very different directions, you are the very first person I call when I receive good news. You are the only person that I can go months without speaking to and pick up where we left off. You are the only person I would dance in front of the entire school with. Still, when I dance because no one is watching, I know you are away at your school dancing too. Life is better with a best friend, but life means everything and more when your best friend is someone you have known since elementary school. I am thankful I always know who to call to cheer me up, and I know that even though we go to different schools now, you are still going to be the first one I ask to be my bridesmaid someday.
