Allow me to tell you all about my best friend.
She's pretty fantastic.
We were introduced through a lovely mutual friend in 9th grade even though our moms had grown up in the same neighborhood. We first chatted through Skype and met in person at a cupcake-themed sleepover hosted by that same friend.
As sleepovers with 15-year-olds usually go, we stayed up late into the night playing games and laughing at YouTube videos. Somewhere along the line, the conversation turned to the incredibly subject of wookies in the bathroom (I can't really elaborate much more than that) and the rest is essentially history.
See the thing is, I'm not sure that I've ever clicked with someone so well and so instantly. Even though we went to different high schools and elected to go to different colleges, there has never been an awkward silence that couldn't be fixed by a reference from a Vine or "Hamilton."
We always just pick right back up where we last left off and no matter how busy college life gets, our Snapchat streak is still going strong; filled with conversations about everything from mental health to wholesome memes.
My best friend has played an important role in my life, but in that one role, she has worn many hats. She has comforted me and is always willing to lend a listening ear when I need it the most, she supplies me with the best memes, and makes me laugh to the point where I can't breathe as she sings remixes to popular tunes with the words, "bing bong" added here and there just to shake things up. It's easy to see through her wonderfully sarcastic and good-natured humor and beautiful smile that she is incredibly kind-hearted and fun-loving.
What many people do not know about her is that she is undoubtedly one of the strongest women I have ever met and will ever meet in my life.
Yes, even though she's humble and will never admit it (when she reads this she'll probably deny it), my best friend has literally been through hell and back more times than should ever be allowed. Whether it be friendship drama, hospital scares, or other personal matters that are much to heavy for anyone to bear, let alone a 20-something college student.
The miraculous thing about her though, is her incredible wisdom and poise she has always carried when dealing with even the most seemingly impossible challenges. She has had to tackle issues head- on and I truly believe that her impressive maturity and street smarts are what enabled her to come out of these personal battles as the victor. Where others might have allowed such obstacles to destroy them, she has persisted and gained wisdom beyond her years.
If it seems like I'm describing my best friend as some sort of mythical witch of wonder it is because I am convinced that is who she really is. How is it possible for someone to be so empathetic and sweet, but also so incredibly steadfast with the heart of a warrior? For these reasons I am certain that magic must be involved.
She truly is magical, my best friend. For the past 20 years she has graced the world with her sharp wit and humor, and now, as she prepares to enter into her 21st year, I hope the universe is prepared for all she has to offer. I know that I am.
(I love you forever, Casey. <3 Bella)
