When I was six years old, I moved to a small town in Tennessee to live with my new family.

You may think six-year-olds don’t have a mind of their own or don’t really understand what’s going on around them, but I can assure you they understand more than you give them credit for. Changing schools can be difficult for kids of any age, no matter the circumstance. Leaving all you’ve ever really known to start over is a really scary thought if you think about it.

I dreaded my first day at my new school. I only knew one person who would be in the second grade with me and that was my neighbor. I just knew everyone would make fun of me, no one would want to be my friend, and the only person that would talk to me would be my neighbor.

My mom took me to my dreaded first day at my new school and the principal let her take me to my classroom. Although my memory is hazy, I can remember me standing behind my mommas skirt terrified to go into the classroom. As I was hiding and whimpering, this little six-year-old girl about the same size as me walked past me in the hallway. I noticed that girl and thought to myself, “Maybe she will become one of my friends.”

Seconds later, she stopped in the hall and told me I looked pretty and she liked my earrings. Now, maybe to you, a small compliment like that wouldn’t mean too much…but can you imagine it coming from a six-year-old? That girl took the time out of her day to notice me and did something I thought was impossible…she made me smile. Thanks to her, I swallowed my pride and walked into the room to meet some of the people I would graduate with 11 years later.

To this day, my first impression of that girl has never left me. To this day, that girl is one of my best friends. To this day, that girl is my person.

Years have come and gone and our bond has remained strong. We grew up together… sharing secrets, memories, and trusting each other to always be the first one to tell when something important happened. That little six-year-old girl turned into a strong, confident woman and I am so blessed to have her in my life today. Though it may have been a bumpy road getting to where she is today, she never gave up. She had faith like a true warrior.

I love the friendship we have because even though we may spend days without talking or months without seeing each other, we always pick up right where we left off…and that trust we developed in the second grade hasn’t faded even the slightest. She has helped me through the unimaginable and always encouraged me to put my faith in God and listen to my heart…no doubt I wouldn’t be where I am today without her advice along the way.

I am so thankful to know…no matter how old or where we are, we can always find something to laugh about and turn into a new memory. There is no secret to big to be shared. We will be in each other’s weddings and our kids(that we already spend hours naming together)will be best friends. Most importantly, I will never forget the fuzzy pink earrings I wore the day a never ending friendship began and the impression my six year old best friend left with me forever.

Hey Jace, “Whop cheesecake!?”