I remember my second first day of Kindergarten as clear as day. I had transferred schools two weeks in, so I was the “new student.” I was wearing a little blue dress with sunflowers printed all over it. My mom’s classroom was located right next to mine, so she walked me to class, introduced me to my teachers, hugged me and told me to have a good day, and left me to my class. Mrs. St. Amand, my teacher, called everyone’s attention to the front of the classroom:

“Good morning everyone! We have a new student today, this is Cayla. Her mom is the teacher next door, isn’t that cool? I need someone to show her around and be her partner today. Sarah?”

A little blonde girl walked up to me, placed her hands on my shoulders, and whispered “I like your dress,” then proceeded to walk me over to the backpack hooks.

It’s amazing how a single moment can change your life forever, whether apparent at the time or not. The fall of 2004 is when I met my best friend, and 13 years later, we are still inseparable.

I transferred elementary schools for third through fifth grade, yet our friendship stayed strong. Sarah never missed one of my birthday parties, and I celebrated with her just the same. When I told her I’d be going to the same middle school as her, I remember us both screaming into the phone out of pure joy. She was the first person I called with my new cell phone, who I spent hours Gmail chatting with, and who, even when we would have a fight, never failed to be there for me. Everyday in middle school, we’d watch cartoons before catching the bus from her stop. I’ve seen her style change, her hair go from long to short and blonde to pink, her room in varying degrees of messiness, but her smile has stayed the same. Her caring heart, contagious laugh, and genuine dedication to those who she cares about is only a fraction of what I love so much about her.

I know you’re going to laugh when you read that, Sarah, but it’s all true.

You may see yourself as a mean person who doesn’t like people, but I see just the opposite. You stick to your word and always follow through. You stay true to yourself and let your beautiful colors shine through. But above all else, you are a loyal beyond words. I know that I can trust you with my life no matter what and that you’ll always be there for me. I hope that I have been half the friend to you that you are to me (if not, let me know what kind of cookies you want so we can fix that).

Not many people get to experience true friendship in their lifetime. They say that once a friendship has made it past the seven year mark, it’s bound to last a lifetime. I guess that means that I’m stuck with the girl who expects me to have cookies for her when I walk up to simply say hi. Sarah, thank you for your friendship. Even if you don’t remember the day we met, I’m still incredibly grateful to call you my bestest best friend in the whole wide world. Now tell me, where’s the cake?