Around this time 10 years ago, I ended up sitting next to a girl in my 7th-grade social studies class with whom I had no intention of becoming friends. We had nothing in common and came from two different worlds, or so I thought at the time. As time progressed we realized we only lived two blocks down from each other, we listened to the same music, and even liked the same shows. The girl I thought would be an innocent friend, will forever be my partner in crime.
I have loved growing up with you because you have given me someone to laugh with, to cry with, to eat with, to do homework with, to gossip with, and to simply enjoy life with. I've learned a lot about you and have realized what an amazing individual you have become. You are courageous, charismatic, compassionate, head-strong, dramatic, forgiving, hardworking, humorous, loyal, sympathetic, and original. I wish nothing but the best for your future and that you keep all of these characteristics prominent in your everyday life, even after you're married. These things are what made him fall in love with you in the first place!
I'd like to go back two and a half years to the time you told me that you found someone you could see yourself with for the rest of your life. I kind of already knew you were serious, but we are 18 and 19 years old and I mean, what kind of child says something like that? The first time you told me that he said he loved you, and you didn't know what to say, I knew you wanted to say it too but you were scared of how deep you would fall.
The time you told me how serious it was all becoming I knew my best friend was growing up and becoming something that we had always dreamed of. The first time you told me that you both decided to get married, I knew that you were right two and a half years ago. If you told me 10 years ago that I was going to stand by your side and watch you marry the love of your life, I would have told you how crazy and irrational you were, but there I was, looking at my best friend, marrying her best friend!
There are a few things that I'd like you to keep in mind now that you are a married woman beginning to live your life:
1. Me
This sounds selfish but I still need my best friend to check up on me sometimes and to grab a drink with me during the week. I'd love nothing more to check my phone and see that you took time out of your day and marriage to say Hi! - I'd do it for you!
2. Happiness
You have found your happiness so let it remain happy. The way I see marriage is having someone there to enjoy life with and forever share this happiness. If this is gone, promise me you will ask for help or at least allow yourself to communicate!
3. Independence
Even though there are two of you now, I think it is still important that you keep your independence and are not always dependent on him. I love that he is willing to always cherish you and take care of you for better or worse, but what if something happens and you are not able to take care of yourself? I'd love for you to maintain your freedom and own guidance for the unexpected.
4. Family
You are now your own family! You get to start your own family and I will become a Tia!!! BUT, please listen to me as I tell you that your family, your mother, father, brothers and sisters will always be there for you and that you need to always be there for them. Just because you are married now, does not mean you have to seal them out of your life. Promise me that you will always be there for them like you are for him.
5. Judgment
Use your best judgment in any kind of situation. The good and bad. You are a smart woman and I trust you will always do what is right for you and your marriage!
I am so happy for you and Danny! I am so blessed to be able to share this day with you two as you join together as one, FOREVER!
