I was eight years old. During recess, my soon to be best friend was being bullied by a boy named Josh 😎 in our grade. I was getting a drink from the water faucet when he pushed her down on the ground and my body cushioned her fall. I am mediately yelled at him and told her that I would be her friend. That is how we became best friends. From that moment on we basically did everything together. I look at her today in this beautiful wedding dress and in flooded with memories of sleepovers, chocolate and popcorn, tea peeing, skipping class to go to Disneyland, sad movies in which we pulled all nighter‘s in, hard break ups, even harder deaths, and the terrifying wave of puberty.

How she met Sean. Me and Morgan Went to separate colleges across the United States. She chose Oregon and I chose Nashville. I remember it was a rainy day, right before I was about to leave for Christmas break, when she told me she met this guy on a plane. Their flight was delayed and they were from the same school so they began to talk. They realize they had a lot in common and live nearly 15 minutes away from each other. Right then and there in the chairs of that airport they promised to be there for each other through family drama in the holidays, hard steady nights, and homesickness. After that Christmas break when she nearly saw him every day, that is when I began to see her grow and compassion.

One year later I continue to hear his name pop up in conversations. Aren’t you tired of this guy yet? Every time she mentioned him his her eyes lit up in the same way she first talked about him. It was not until the second year when they fight to stay together after she got a promotion at work was when I see her grow the most. She has been an amazing best friend but in her decision to stay with him, that is when I have seen her grow through sacrifice.

Our friendship has prepared her for the toss and turns of fighting for someone to stay in your life. Our friendship has taught me that she is forgiving, compassionate, and that she’s willing to sacrifice herself for the ones she loves. She has been my best friend and I know she will be his best wife. Through their relationship, the ups and downs The long phone calls and first few awkward dates, she has grown in love to become the person he will continue to grow and love. I solemnly swear I will always be the cushion between you and the ground like when we first met I know you would be too.

Drink more wine.