I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people. - Maya Angelou

To my first best friend,

Thank you. To begin with, I would like to thank you for always sitting next to me on the bus and being my friend throughout elementary school despite my constant rowdiness. The first memory I can recall with you consists of the time we were waiting to get on the bus and we sat on the couch watching Curious George. My parents worked late so I would get off the bus and hang out with you every day after school for a little while. Within that time, we had our many adventures that I will cherish till the end.

I was an insanely daring and loud child, whereas you were quiet and cautious. We were the perfect balance. You continued to keep me sane and I made you step outside of your comfort zone at times. As they say, opposites attract! This was even evident in our coloring during the 1st grade. We had a coloring page of a yard with a house and a person standing in front of it. Yours was colored quite well for a 1st grader while my man had blue skin and pink hair. I also remember quite vividly scaring you when I climbed up your doorway like Spider-Man. There was no such thing as a dull moment with us. Ever.

Before you moved, you were my only neighbor to play with for a very long time. You lived in the yellow house right across the street and it killed me when I found out you were moving. My favorite memory that I have with you is most definitely climbing the gigantic pine trees in your back yard until I became afraid of going any higher. But you'd reassure me every time that we were going to be fine because we weren't exactly that high up to begin with. From climbing trees to climbing the monkey bars at school, we did a lot together.

I'm not sure if you are aware, but you were my hero. We got assigned projects that asked us to draw our heroes and write a small paragraph about them. Every year I drew us together because you were my absolute best friend and you were and still are so important to me. We were two peas in a pod. You were my Carl, with me as your crazy best friend, Ellie, by your side.

You will forever be one of my heroes.

Love Always,

Your Childhood Best Friend