"Why don't we just let this BEAUTIFUL person go in front of us..."

Today is the 21st birthday of my best friend in the entire universe, Emily Darling.  Let me just start by saying, her last name is the epitome of fitting. 

AAHS, Spring 2006- End of Freshman Year

New at Air Academy, having just moved to Colorado Springs, by some stroke of luck I ended up being welcomed into a rather eclectic, but also rather exciting, group of friends.  Three of the girls in this group ended up being my best friends throughout high school, and are to this day, some of my closest friends.  They helped me feel at home in a new place, comforted me when I was feeling inadequate, lost, confused, rejected, angry, and an infinite number of teenage-angsty-hormones.  They laughed with me, they laughed at me.  They cried with me, they probably cried because of me at times...the point is, these girls mean a lot to me, and I can't even begin to thank them for being such awesome friends.  One of these girls, of course, is Emily Darling.

During one of my first lunches at Air Academy I met Emily Darling-- a gorgeous, braces-clad, eccentric swimmer, with a boisterous personality. We became lunch-group friends the end of that semester, but it wasn't until sophomore year that our friendship really blossomed.

Sophomore Year- Senior Year

 I can't even begin to describe to you the number of sleepovers, football games, powder puff practices, movie nights, and Halloween parties we spent together these three years of high school, but let me tell you, they were numerous. I don't think that we became the best friends that we are on one particular occasion, where we just realized that we have so much in common and get along so well.  Rather, I think it was all of these random activities that we did together that brought us together over a long period of time that helped form our rock-solid relationship.

between all the  sleepovers...

 

and homecoming...

and prom....

 ....Emily and I grew closer than best friends.  We became sisters.  Being at Emily's house on the weekend became a given.  When it came time to go away to college- me in Utah, Emily in Washington- it just seemed inevitable that we'd stay close despite the distance.  

College

Over the years of college, Emily and I have grown so much individually.  It's crazy to think back on the crazy 15-year-olds that we once were.  Hearing Emily say "Ms. Rena, I like to ride dirty" during a sleepover game of truth or dare seems so long ago!  ( bahaha...love ya em, but I couldn't resist. ) Now, we're both only semesters away from being college graduates! I can't even fathom it! Once zany teenage girls, we are now strong, independent women, ready to face the world.  But reaching this phase of our lives hasn't come easy.  We've both overcome a myriad of obstacles that have helped us grow into the people we are today.  

For me, I can easily say that Emily has been a crucial part in helping me climb over those mountains as they have come into my life.  Emily's been there through it all: through the countless hours on the phone spent crying and laughing over all of life's crazy moments.  She was the shoulder I needed when my parents went through their divorce.  She was the ear that listened to all of my rants and confusion as I came to terms with my dad getting remarried and was forced to stretch and grow in ways I didn't think possible.  She helped me carry on as I struggled with the news of close family 
members being diagnosed with cancer.  And...she also laughed with me over awkward dates and terrible haircuts.  She's empathized with me about the woes of dating...or lack thereof.  She's shared my excitement about holiday breaks and good grades, and shared my fears and nervousness about graduating, moving on, and having to find real jobs. 

Through my best and my worst, Emily's been there for it all.  She knows me inside and out.  At times, it's even like she knows me better than myself, as she always knows just what to say, especially at those times when I'm just a hot mess.  She's been the understanding soul as I've gone through struggles with religion.  We've talked about boys, and celebrities, and fashion and high school drama, and we've also philosophized about life, religion, the universe, politics, friendships, and just about everything in between.  Emily's my go-to girl for everything.  When I need an honest-to-goodness, no beating-around-the-bush, opinion, I know right where to turn.  Emily's casa es my casa.  Literally, I have a toothbrush with my name at her house.  It's pretty awesome.  And, let's not forget another totally awesome coincidence:  We both happen to be just about virtually the same size, so sharing clothes= duh! AND, we both are incredibly cool because we loooove country music and attractive men...so basically...we're not just sisters...we're twins!

Emily Darling is seriously the most amazing, down-to-earth, head-on-her-shoulders, going-to-do-great-things-in-life, difference-maker, gorgeous individuals that I know and I'm so lucky and proud to call her friend! Also, did I mention she's in Ireland right now, living my dream??? Seriously. Coolest. Person. Ever. I can't begin to express how grateful I am that Emily is my homeslice.  I don't know what I'd do without her.  All I can say is, I'm so glad that she was born! 

Happy 21st birthday best friend!!!  :) I miss you!