Seven years ago, on the last day of eighth grade, we sat in Pre-Algebra with no good friends and stuck with each other even though we'd never spoken all year. Little did we know that day would change both of our lives.

It didn't really start until swim season our freshman year, I think. I was different from the other girls on the team and it seemed to me that even though you'd grown up with all those girls, you were different from them too. So I clung to you like a lifeline and you were.

Homecoming Parade 2012Kinsey Sturgeon

You were there when I was in and out of relationships, picking up the shattered pieces of my heart and filling the holes with ice cream and Doritos late at night on the couches at our parents' houses. You helped me find other friends and turned me into a different person, in the best way. You were there when I didn't feel like I fit in. You were there when I was struggling with who I was and who I was supposed to be. You stood on stage with me during choir concerts and supported me on the stage long after you had decided it wasn't quite your calling.

Powder Puff Football 2015Kinsey Sturgeon

When college came, I was sad to have to be so far away--it's only an hour but after four years of only being five minutes from each other, it might as well be 10--but I was excited to see what college held for us. There was a long time that first year I worried you were replacing me, but a few moments alone assured me that would never happen, you would be around for the long haul. I struggled without you and made new friends, but you were always in the back of my mind and when we finally made the time for each other, it was like no time had passed between us.

You have helped me through heartbreak. You have made depression easier. You have held my hand through good and bad. You have smiled when I couldn't. You have encouraged me to be loud and proud about everything I am.

Without you, there is no me.

You are strong. You are beautiful. You are smart. You are kind. You are amazing.

You are my best friend. You are my parabatai, my lifelong partner in the battle of life.

They say people who've been friends for seven years will be friends forever. After knowing you I know it couldn't be truer. So here's to seven years and 70 more.

Happy Birthday, Tor.

And thank you. So much. For absolutely everything. I love you so much.